July 2010, Crafts of the Month, Logging ON or Branching OUT Theme

IF any of you ever get out to San Diego in June or Early July make the San Diego Fair a Must on your list of activities to attend.  This month's theme is a result of going through one of their exhibitor's buildings.  After seeing a huge pile of branch "coins" from using their clippers, I was intrigued with what they were going to do with the used branch pieces.  Asking politely, he let me have a huge bag of these "coins" to recycle my way.  So, next time you are in the yard pruning, save that wood and "log on" with the kids.  Using different size pieces allows for sorting or arranging by size. 

Name, Word or Coin Craft
 
Materials Needed:

Wooden coins (have adult cut pieces from branch with clippers)
Magic Markers
Glue
Cardboard
Scissors
*Optional--magnets or pin backing


Directions:

For "money", sort the coins by 3 sizes for 5, 10 and 25 cents.
Using markers, print the numbers on the coins by size.
Use the money in play  or to teach addition and subtraction.

For "names and words", pick coins that are basically the same size, or slightly larger for the capital letters.
Print a letter of the name or each word on each coin.
To make a name pin or magnet, cut a piece of cardboard the size of the coins lined up together.
Spread cardboard with glue, and line coins up on the cardboard in the correct order.
Let dry.
Turn over, glue magnet or pin backing on, let dry.
Put word or name on child or on a magnetic surface.
*These coins can be lacquered or sprayed with a clear acrylic paint if desired.


Abstract Pins, Collages or Creatures


Materials Needed:

Wooden coins
Toothpicks
Markers
Glue
Cardboard
Scissors
*Optional Pin Backs or Magnets

Directions:

Using Markers, color the coins in the colors desired.
Cut cardboard to shape, if using cardboard as backing.
Spread glue on cardboard or pin.
Arrange coins and toothpicks as desired.
Let dry.
Apply pin back or magnet if desired.

These craft ideas are great for repetitive pinch grasp.  Using the markers works on pen/pencil hold and graphic skills.