In our community we have two types of schools.

1. Private School
2. Public School

I am fortunate enough to work at the private school, but having worked at a public school and to know that the public school in our community consist mainly of farm workers children who will most likely not receive any Christmas gifts this year I thought it wise to teach my own children and the ones in my pre-k class how we can give by making something special.

The main reason for this is that these children appreciate the small gestures in life. They are not used to much, so a little handmade gift is something that they will truly treasure for a long time.

Life Lesson

I want to teach my children that a small gesture goes a long way. Something that comes from the heart is worth way more than something that has been store bought.

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What are we going to make?

Activity 1: Making the gift bags

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You will need the following:

1. Brown paper bags
2. Paint
3. Small bells
4. Ribbons/stars

Instructions:

1. Make a footprint of each learner on a bag.
2. Use the ribbons/stars to create a little header for the "footprint tree"
3. Paste the ribbon anywhere on the bag.

Activity 2: Make a snowflake

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You will need the following:

1. Craft wire
2. Beads
3. Paper tags
4. Ribbons

Instructions:

1. Fold the wire that it looks like a snowflake.
2. Let the learners thread the wire with the beads. This will also stimulate and exercise their fine motor skills.
3. Write With Love on the tags and attach the tags to the snowflake.
4. Put it into the paper bags.

We went to take the presents to the school before they went on Christmas holiday and today as I am writing this post, I wish I took photos of the little kids. The utter joy and thankfulness of receiving a little gift made with love.

Love and small gestures truly goes a long way.

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