SOAR INTO SPACE
April is a Space Month. Space crafts make kids' creativity soar. Enjoy these space theme art activities from Crayola.com
MOON WALKIN' MAT
Suitable ages 4 years and older.
Why? What a winning combination—movement, make-believe, and a trip to the moon! Make moon stompers before the party, and create the mat with guests. Be sure coffee cans have no sharp edges, and closely supervise children as they play.
How?
1. Make one or more sets of moon stompers before your party. Roll a large, empty coffee can along the edge of poster board. Mark the inside edge and length with Crayola® Metallic Crayons. Cut out two matching pieces with Crayola® Scissors.
2. Use crayons to decorate both pieces with stars, rockets, and astronauts.
3. Cover two cans with decorated paper, attaching it with Crayola® School Glue. Add special effects with Crayola® Glitter Glue. Dry.
4. Ask an adult to punch holes on opposite sides of each can near the closed end. Cut strong ribbon long enough to reach from the can to the moon walker’s hand level and back through the can. Thread ribbon through holes and tie secure knots.
5. On party day, guests design a Moon Walkin’ Mat on poster board. (Craft paper on a roll also works.) Use Crayola® Washable Markers to trace around the bottoms of the cans. Arrange circles in a path for moon walkers to follow. Draw a cool moonscape around the circles by coloring open areas with marker and crayon.
6. Wear moon stompers to walk on the moon, traveling from circle to circle.
When and Where suggestions
"We use Crayola® Sidewalk Chalk to draw the solar system outdoors. The children share facts about each planet they visit." Suki L., home-school parent.
"Our kids made several sets of moon stompers for a space party. We spread moon-walking mats in the hall." Jeff K., stepdad of 4 children.
ROARING ROCKETS
Suitable for ages 4 years and older.
Why?Channel kids’ excitement into creativity with these colorful rockets. Children use problem-solving skills to construct rockets, then practice coordination to fly them.
How?
1. Before your party or picnic, set up game targets. Hang large plastic hoops from trees or tie them to picnic tables and lawn furniture at different heights.
2. Guests decorate cardboard tubes with Crayola® Markers to make their own unique rockets.
3. Use Crayola® Scissors to cut decorative craft items such as small pieces of aluminum foil, cellophane, gift wrap, construction paper, chenille stems, ribbon, or craft feathers. Attach decorations to rockets with Crayola® Glue Sticks.
4. Wait a few minutes for the glue to dry. Rockets are ready to fly through hoop targets.
When and Where suggestions from other parents
"We set this up in our backyard for my son’s birthday party. The neighbor kids keep bringing new rockets over to try again!" Jack D., dad of 9-year-old.
"Kids experimented with several designs for their Roaring Rockets. We definitely will make this an annual event at our Space Camp." Erica L., camp counselor
COME IN MISSION CONTROL
Suitable for ages 4 years and older.
Why? Create your own instrument panels for an imaginary spacecraft and explore the ways scientists collect data about the universe.
Benefits/color]:
Children explore various ways in which scientists collect and generate data about our universe.
Children create 3-dimensional simulations of space shuttle or mission control instrument panels.
Students work in pairs to write and dramatize a space mission
Directions:
1. Explore resources to discover methods space scientists use to investigate mysteries of the universe. Search newspapers, news magazines, and Web sites for current information on NASA missions and programs. Share information with the group.
2. Create an imaginary space shuttle or mission control instrument panel with a recycled cereal box. Use Crayola® Scissors to cut down the sides of one flat face of the box so it is open to the inside.
3. Cover the inside and outside of the box with construction paper. Attach with a Crayola® Glue Stick.
4. Use Crayola® Metallic Crayons to draw a view finder with an image of space on the upright side. Add controls and dials made from assorted craft materials such as buttons, chenille sticks, craft sticks, and aluminum foil. Be creative. Invent new tools for collecting data in your space shuttle, or try to make it realistic. Add glittering buttons and lights with Crayola® Glitter Glue.
5. Work with a partner to decide on what your space mission will investigate. Sit across from each other behind your control panels and simulate a real data-gathering mission, talking back and forth about the expedition.
OUTER SPACE OUTFITS
Suitable for children age 4 years and older.
Why?Dressing up as an outer space creature is "in the bag" with these grocery sack vests. Kids who love to use their imaginations really have fun wearing a costume of their own creation.
How?
1. Place a folded paper grocery bag on a flat surface, with the bottom of the bag facing away from you. With Crayola® Scissors, cut all the way from the center of the open edge to the middle of the bottom of the bag. On the bottom of the bag, cut a round hole large enough for your neck. On each side of the bag (the smaller surfaces) and near where you cut the neck hole, cut arm holes so the bag will sit on your shoulders. Adults may need to help younger children cut out the vest.
2. Turn the whole bag inside out if there is writing on the outside, so you have a plain brown background for your creation.
3. Cover a table or the floor with newspaper before you begin to paint.
4. Now, imagine how your visitor from outer space would be dressed. Decorate your vest using Crayola® Gel FX Crayons, Crayola® Metallic Colored Pencils, Crayola® Markers, and/or Crayola® Washable Kid's Paint. Dry.
5. Glue straws, ribbon, and/or construction paper to the vest for the effect you want to create. Make the vest with Crayola® School Glue for the effect you want to create
6. Add to your costume by creating a mask from a paper plate and the colorful Crayola® products that you used to decorate your vest. Attach ribbons so it can be adjusted to fit you. Get together with your friends and create a play with your characters.
***IMPORTANT: When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks, make sure the craft does not obstruct the child's vision or impede movement, and keep away from open flames.***
STARRY SKIES INSIDE
Suitable for ages 4 years and older.
Why?Reach for the stars and bring a little bit of the night sky inside your home. Lighten up imaginations and rooms with this star-studded activity.
How?
1. Begin to make your own "constellation can" by tracing around the end of a coffee can onto a piece of cardboard. Draw several triangles with the bases touching the outside of your circle to create a starburst effect.
2. Cut around the outside edges of the entire design so you have one piece. Inside the circle, use a Crayola® Marker to draw a constellation design with dots like one you saw, or create one of your own! Don't forget to name it!
3. Ask an adult to help (1) remove the end of the coffee can with a can opener, and to smooth any edges, and (2) poke holes through the dots or "stars" in your constellation with a ballpoint pen.
4. Place your starburst on one end of the can (closing one end) with your constellation design on the outside so you can see it. Fold the triangle shapes of your starburst and tape them to the outside of the can.
5. Cut a hole in the plastic lid large enough for the light end of a flashlight to fit though it.
6. Wrap a large piece of black or dark-colored construction paper around the can and cut it with scissors to fit like a label. Use Crayola® Metallic Colored Pencils or Crayola® Gel FX Crayons and Glitter Glue to decorate your construction paper with objects that glow in the night sky. Let your glitter glue designs dry. Tape your decorated construction paper to the outside of the can.
7. Slide a flashlight into the can and point it toward a wall or ceiling. Turn out the lights and watch your constellation appear!
~~Enjoy the time together with your little ones~~
Sandra, Poohmommy to Michael Timothy born December 1, 1999 weighing 2 pounds and 6 ounces with an apgar score of 1
and
soulmate to Timothy Lee
~~Visit Michael's webpage~~ 
www.babiesonline.com/babies/t/tigerpup
Click here to visit our Family Homepage at Baby U.
~~Click here to see my webpage: Art by Alexandra~~
Click here and read my Parenting Journal where I discuss life is like being a parent to a toddler with special needs who has recently undergone 2 skull reconstructive surgeries each a month apart and the affect it has on our family.
Moderator of
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS BOARD
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES
THE RELATIONSHIPS BOARD
April is a Space Month. Space crafts make kids' creativity soar. Enjoy these space theme art activities from Crayola.com
MOON WALKIN' MAT
Suitable ages 4 years and older.
Why? What a winning combination—movement, make-believe, and a trip to the moon! Make moon stompers before the party, and create the mat with guests. Be sure coffee cans have no sharp edges, and closely supervise children as they play.
How?
1. Make one or more sets of moon stompers before your party. Roll a large, empty coffee can along the edge of poster board. Mark the inside edge and length with Crayola® Metallic Crayons. Cut out two matching pieces with Crayola® Scissors.
2. Use crayons to decorate both pieces with stars, rockets, and astronauts.
3. Cover two cans with decorated paper, attaching it with Crayola® School Glue. Add special effects with Crayola® Glitter Glue. Dry.
4. Ask an adult to punch holes on opposite sides of each can near the closed end. Cut strong ribbon long enough to reach from the can to the moon walker’s hand level and back through the can. Thread ribbon through holes and tie secure knots.
5. On party day, guests design a Moon Walkin’ Mat on poster board. (Craft paper on a roll also works.) Use Crayola® Washable Markers to trace around the bottoms of the cans. Arrange circles in a path for moon walkers to follow. Draw a cool moonscape around the circles by coloring open areas with marker and crayon.
6. Wear moon stompers to walk on the moon, traveling from circle to circle.
When and Where suggestions
"We use Crayola® Sidewalk Chalk to draw the solar system outdoors. The children share facts about each planet they visit." Suki L., home-school parent.
"Our kids made several sets of moon stompers for a space party. We spread moon-walking mats in the hall." Jeff K., stepdad of 4 children.
ROARING ROCKETS
Suitable for ages 4 years and older.
Why?Channel kids’ excitement into creativity with these colorful rockets. Children use problem-solving skills to construct rockets, then practice coordination to fly them.
How?
1. Before your party or picnic, set up game targets. Hang large plastic hoops from trees or tie them to picnic tables and lawn furniture at different heights.
2. Guests decorate cardboard tubes with Crayola® Markers to make their own unique rockets.
3. Use Crayola® Scissors to cut decorative craft items such as small pieces of aluminum foil, cellophane, gift wrap, construction paper, chenille stems, ribbon, or craft feathers. Attach decorations to rockets with Crayola® Glue Sticks.
4. Wait a few minutes for the glue to dry. Rockets are ready to fly through hoop targets.
When and Where suggestions from other parents
"We set this up in our backyard for my son’s birthday party. The neighbor kids keep bringing new rockets over to try again!" Jack D., dad of 9-year-old.
"Kids experimented with several designs for their Roaring Rockets. We definitely will make this an annual event at our Space Camp." Erica L., camp counselor
COME IN MISSION CONTROL
Suitable for ages 4 years and older.
Why? Create your own instrument panels for an imaginary spacecraft and explore the ways scientists collect data about the universe.
Benefits/color]:
Children explore various ways in which scientists collect and generate data about our universe.
Children create 3-dimensional simulations of space shuttle or mission control instrument panels.
Students work in pairs to write and dramatize a space mission
Directions:
1. Explore resources to discover methods space scientists use to investigate mysteries of the universe. Search newspapers, news magazines, and Web sites for current information on NASA missions and programs. Share information with the group.
2. Create an imaginary space shuttle or mission control instrument panel with a recycled cereal box. Use Crayola® Scissors to cut down the sides of one flat face of the box so it is open to the inside.
3. Cover the inside and outside of the box with construction paper. Attach with a Crayola® Glue Stick.
4. Use Crayola® Metallic Crayons to draw a view finder with an image of space on the upright side. Add controls and dials made from assorted craft materials such as buttons, chenille sticks, craft sticks, and aluminum foil. Be creative. Invent new tools for collecting data in your space shuttle, or try to make it realistic. Add glittering buttons and lights with Crayola® Glitter Glue.
5. Work with a partner to decide on what your space mission will investigate. Sit across from each other behind your control panels and simulate a real data-gathering mission, talking back and forth about the expedition.
OUTER SPACE OUTFITS
Suitable for children age 4 years and older.
Why?Dressing up as an outer space creature is "in the bag" with these grocery sack vests. Kids who love to use their imaginations really have fun wearing a costume of their own creation.
How?
1. Place a folded paper grocery bag on a flat surface, with the bottom of the bag facing away from you. With Crayola® Scissors, cut all the way from the center of the open edge to the middle of the bottom of the bag. On the bottom of the bag, cut a round hole large enough for your neck. On each side of the bag (the smaller surfaces) and near where you cut the neck hole, cut arm holes so the bag will sit on your shoulders. Adults may need to help younger children cut out the vest.
2. Turn the whole bag inside out if there is writing on the outside, so you have a plain brown background for your creation.
3. Cover a table or the floor with newspaper before you begin to paint.
4. Now, imagine how your visitor from outer space would be dressed. Decorate your vest using Crayola® Gel FX Crayons, Crayola® Metallic Colored Pencils, Crayola® Markers, and/or Crayola® Washable Kid's Paint. Dry.
5. Glue straws, ribbon, and/or construction paper to the vest for the effect you want to create. Make the vest with Crayola® School Glue for the effect you want to create
6. Add to your costume by creating a mask from a paper plate and the colorful Crayola® products that you used to decorate your vest. Attach ribbons so it can be adjusted to fit you. Get together with your friends and create a play with your characters.
***IMPORTANT: When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks, make sure the craft does not obstruct the child's vision or impede movement, and keep away from open flames.***
STARRY SKIES INSIDE
Suitable for ages 4 years and older.
Why?Reach for the stars and bring a little bit of the night sky inside your home. Lighten up imaginations and rooms with this star-studded activity.
How?
1. Begin to make your own "constellation can" by tracing around the end of a coffee can onto a piece of cardboard. Draw several triangles with the bases touching the outside of your circle to create a starburst effect.
2. Cut around the outside edges of the entire design so you have one piece. Inside the circle, use a Crayola® Marker to draw a constellation design with dots like one you saw, or create one of your own! Don't forget to name it!
3. Ask an adult to help (1) remove the end of the coffee can with a can opener, and to smooth any edges, and (2) poke holes through the dots or "stars" in your constellation with a ballpoint pen.
4. Place your starburst on one end of the can (closing one end) with your constellation design on the outside so you can see it. Fold the triangle shapes of your starburst and tape them to the outside of the can.
5. Cut a hole in the plastic lid large enough for the light end of a flashlight to fit though it.
6. Wrap a large piece of black or dark-colored construction paper around the can and cut it with scissors to fit like a label. Use Crayola® Metallic Colored Pencils or Crayola® Gel FX Crayons and Glitter Glue to decorate your construction paper with objects that glow in the night sky. Let your glitter glue designs dry. Tape your decorated construction paper to the outside of the can.
7. Slide a flashlight into the can and point it toward a wall or ceiling. Turn out the lights and watch your constellation appear!
~~Enjoy the time together with your little ones~~
Sandra, Poohmommy to Michael Timothy born December 1, 1999 weighing 2 pounds and 6 ounces with an apgar score of 1
and soulmate to Timothy Lee
~~Visit Michael's webpage~~ www.babiesonline.com/babies/t/tigerpup
Click here to visit our Family Homepage at Baby U.
~~Click here to see my webpage: Art by Alexandra~~
Click here and read my Parenting Journal where I discuss life is like being a parent to a toddler with special needs who has recently undergone 2 skull reconstructive surgeries each a month apart and the affect it has on our family.
Moderator of
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS BOARD
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES
THE RELATIONSHIPS BOARD
soulmate to Timothy Lee 
