Christmas Grotto Day
Hello, my name is Gemma Everson and I am a children’s author, a teacher and also a mum.
Today is Christmas Grotto day and we will be decorating our own grotto, designing our own wrapping paper and then wrapping presents ready for Christmas Day.
Questions for Father Christmas
Have you ever met Father Christmas? What would you like to ask him? Use the questions words: who, where, why, what, when, how to think of questions with your grown up.
Encourage your child to think of questions using the words above. It can be quite challenging so use the phrase “I wonder…” to plant a seed in your child’s head which can then be turned into a question.
Make Your Own Grotto
Find a room in your house and decorate it so it is Christmassy and fun! If you don’t have a space you could use, make a grotto in an old shoe box.
Encourage your child to think of questions using the words above. It can be quite challenging so use the phrase “I wonder…” to plant a seed in your child’s head which can then be turned into a question.
Printing Wrapping Paper
Look around your home for objects you could print with. They could be purpose built stampers or they could be found objects such as cotton reels, a fork or vegetables. Print some patterns on a large sheet of paper.
This activity will allow your child to explore colour mixing, pattern and shape as they create their own design.
Wrapping a Present
Once your wrapping paper is dry choose a box or toy to wrap. Use Sellotape to secure it as you wrap it up carefully with your grown up.
Help your child to select an object that is not too big or too small. Talk about size and shape and then help your child as they fold the paper and secure it.