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Weekly Activities
As Christmas draws ever closer we chose to make a candle decoration that the children could take home. We started by find a suitable log that the children could use to cut off a thick disc with a hand saw. After they had cut their disc we put out lots of different craft resources and asked they children how they would like to decorate it. Many chose to start by painting the tops their disc. Once dry, they added some glue and sprinkled different coloured glitter over the top. We had some tinsle handy so the children used scissors to cut it to size and then a stample gun to attach it around the sides. Now it was time to use either a hand or electric drill to drill a hole part way through the disc. The children then added the finishing touch, by placing either a tea light candle or slimmer cake decoration candle into the hole.
We specifically wanted to add a candle as the centrepiece as apart from making the decoration look very pretty, candles play a significant role in many religions, especially around Christmas...
In many denominations of Christianity, candles are used to represent the light of Christ, and are often lit during religious services. Candles are also commonly used during seasonal festivities, to symbolise the hope and renewal brought by the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
In Buddhism, candles are used in meditation and prayer, representing the light of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment. Buddhists often light candles and incense around statues and images of the Buddha and will use candles in their homes and temples to create a peaceful and spiritual environment for prayer and day to day life alike.
In Hinduism, candles are used in a daily ritual of worship and offering, to represent the light of the gods and the connection between the individual and the divine. Hindus may also light candles during religious festivals and ceremonies, such as Diwali.
In Native American traditions, candles are used in ceremonies to represent the connection between the physical and spiritual world, and to bring light to those who are in need, either ill or struggling.
Aims and Objectives
Explore natural materials
Develop hand-eye co-ordination
Develop manipulation and control
Talk about what Christmas means to us and our families
Learn about different cultures and religeons
Home Activity
Here's a link to 15 great Christmas decoration ideas you can try at home with your child from the Sitters website:-
1. Cupcake wrapper Christmas trees
2. Fingerprint snowmen
3. Bead candy canes
4. Handprint wreath
5. Threading decorations
6. Hanging spiral Christmas tree
7. Homemade snow globes
8. Paper plate angels
9. Hama bead decorations
10. Salt dough Olaf
11. Threaded popcorn garlands
12. Giant felt Christmas tree
13. Button wreath decorations
14. Snowmen pegs
15. Penguin feet craft
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