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Djinn - Welcome everyone to the ECE discussion. Tonight's subject is "What to do with those left over Christmas Cards." I know how creative you all are and I'm sure we will get some wonderful ideas from everyone.
Djinn - Oh I forgot to mention - those old calendars too
Djinn - Does anyone have a tried and true idea for calendars?
Chelle/K/PA - I take the calendars and glue them onto tagboard and laminate. Then cut apart as puzzles for each month!
Jane/k/MO - If you have an ellison press you can make some wonderful cut outs from the Christmas cards
Djinn - great idea Chelle!
Djinn - Jane- what kinds of cut outs?
meeha/ece/tx - I use the old calendar pics as language experience posters
Chelle/K/PA - that's what i do with old Christmas cards,meeha
Jane/k/MO - I want to use old calendars for the children to use in sequencing numeral. I will cut them apart and let the children put the numbers in order
Spider - Depending on the calendar, I laminate and use them for picture id and discussion.
Jane/k/MO - we have a book mark cut out with the Ellison press stencil maker
Spider - One calendar from last year had a smaller duplicate picture on the date part so I used them for matching. The kids loved them.
iram - I just thought of using calendars as wrapping paper for small gifts. You can also cut out pictures from cards and paste them on plainly wrapped gifts.
Djinn - Jane- what a great idea - we have one of those! thanks
Djinn - I use the circle from the ellison and cut three circles - from cards - fold the circles in half and glue three together. Makes a great ornament
Jane/k/MO - I cut out snowflakes and Christmas shapes and glued the students picture on it for Christmas presents for parents
Chelle/K/PA - I have the children dictate to me everything that is going on in the Christmas card. Glue the card to the paper and write below. Great for having kidsnotice detail and tell action stories. Bind them togeter for a class book!
Djinn - I have used the calendars with animals - etc. for language experience ESL etc.
meeha/ece/tx - someone on the mail ring uses the back sides of the picture part of the card for thank you notes -- it hought that was a great idea!
Djinn - I like that idea Meeha - saves money for notecards too!
Paula B.*MO* - I use the x-mas card fronts for added decoration in the memory book I make for each child.
Spider - You can save some of the cards nd use them next year as Christmas postcards
Chelle/K/PA - I have made some adorable Xmas wreaths from card fronts....
Spider - Chelle, how?
Djinn - Chelle - tell us how you do it
Chelle/K/PA - You need to trace a pentagon shape from each Xmas card. I usually do this for them so that it gets centered properly....the kds cut out the shapes. I think that they select 10 to 12...can't recall. Anywa, glue them in a circle shape on a large piece of green bulletin board paper. An adult cuts around the outside, leaving a bit of the green paper showing. Their painted red handprints go in the middle on the green aper. Glue a construction paper ribbon on. Laminate and cut out again. Really cute! Can you picture it?
Kathleen:-) - I do simply place calendars at the Writing Center, kids just naturally copy the numerals in the boxes, draw pictures in the boxes
meeha/ece/tx - the thickness of the cards is great for children who need to practice cutting -- you could trace patterns ... or have them cut out specific objects within ... the cards!
LVG - I like to use them with the Ellison cutter to make bulletin board letters.
iram - How about using the cards and caledar pictures as writing prompts in a writing centre.."write a story about... or draw a story about..."
meeha/ece/tx - mom and i make boxes from the cards ... but i don't think it is a preprimary task -- 2nd grade and up would probably do ok with it.
Djinn - For older students - cut out a picture paste inside a folded piece of paper. On the outside write 3 adjectives - Mystery Game.
Kathleen:-) - bulletin borad letters! that's a neat idea, too!
LVG - I use old desk calendars with old calendar pieces for a matching & counting game.
iram - Paste a calendar picture on thick cardboard and cut out puzzle shapes. Make puzzles!
Kathleen:-) - The calendar illustrations could be cut and used for categorizing by seasons
LVG - I have picked out cards with simple pictures & writing to put in environmental print books.
Chelle/K/PA - I also punch holes around the cards and use them as lacing cards.
meeha/ece/tx - if you get people to give (donate) 2 matching cards ... or collect and find several matching sets, old cards could make good 'fish' or other matching games!
Djinn - How did you get your old cards and calendars? Can anyone share ?
meeha/ece/tx - the cut out shapes could also be used as part of holiday (or otherwise) 'necklaces' -- with a hole punched in one side to thread through -- with added beads ...
iram - laminate calendar pictures and use them as placemats when you serve food. washable and easily disposable.
Toni - WI - People in my family save EVERYTHING for me. I did ask parents to send in calendars and Christmas cards if they were throwing them away.
Kathleen:-) - family collect for me..my sister has a business, they receive zillions of cards
meeha/ece/tx - i've bought calendars at 10 - 25 cents per when they are too old to sell, use old ones from family members,
LVG - The local store donates greeting card envelopes, they usually have a seasonal color or logo, so I do the obvious and cut the fronts and put in my writing center.
Djinn - You could use macaroni for beads and pictures between
iram - I've been saving cards for years, this is great!
Toni - WI - How about Dr.s offices, etc. They usually receive a ton of cards too.
Kathleen:-) - calendars have become a bit more difficult to come by these days
Djinn - That's true Kathleen- I make mine on my computer.
iram - my dad always collects calendars for me from insurance companies and banks
Kathleen:-) - my brother-in-law is a veterinarian, so the cards they receive have mostly animal illustrations, so the kids love them
Toni - WI - I asked my parents for calendars, and I have to admit, I didn't receive any! I can't imagine what they do with them. Doesn't everyone have a calendar in their house?
Djinn - My husband is in construction - my kids love the calendars with the big machines - backhoes etc.
meeha/ece/tx - the back parts of the cards would make good 'templates' for tracing and cutting -- teach the children another level of independence!
Toni - WI - Cute, Kathleen. I volunteer at the local humane society. I will ask for their cards when they take them down.]
Spider - Lots of people write things on them - maybe they are leary of sharing the info
iram - you can get calendars from the strangest places, my dad also found me a few from a sandwich shop. you just have to ask!
Toni - WI - Maybe they would just give the picture part, if nothing else.
meeha/ece/tx - the feed'n seed type stores generally have them, pharmacies, etc.
TAM - I asked a loal icecream parlor to save the containers ice cream comes in. Then each child gets one and makes a trash can out of them by gluing old Christmas card fronts around the container. They love this! It's also a good idea for Valentines cards.
Djinn - I guess you just have to get out there and not be afraid to ask. i seem to get more "pushy" as I "mature" LOL
Djinn - Tam- what a great project - Bet you could use left over gift wrap too.
Kathleen:-) - TAM, that's a new and interesting recycling project..good to do these things around Earth Day...of course, every day should be Earth Day :-)
iram - what about saving envelopes, they are so nice around christmas time, and you can always cover up the names on them. envelopes always come in handy.
Djinn - I put envelopes in my writing center - my kids love to "mail" letters to one another.
TAM - gift wrap! great idea Djinn!
Kathleen:-) - Ask cigar shops at malls for their empty boxes...good for decoupage with pictures from cards and calendars, or for storing items in the classroom
Dee2 - Use cards for critical thinking skills. Show 4 or 5 cards and give clues. Ex. Which one is alive? or Which one starts with Rr? etc.
Djinn - I think teachers are natural recyclers - super ideas
iram - i have also cut out stamps from all the mail I get over the year and put them in my mail centre. the kids just glue them on their envelopes.
meeha/ece/tx - anyone use the magazine order stickers as 'stamps' in the writing center?
darthyAlabama - I laminated an envelope, with flap up and names on flap, for each student. These are filed in a box called "my favorite words" , then we add words like you would for a word wall. They love to go get their own envelope and practice the words.
Djinn - Duh Meeha - why didn't I think of that - it's a natural - thanks
Addie k/mo - thats a good use for those stickers!
Toni - WI - Great idea, Meeha. I just threw mine in the recycling!
Djinn - Please everyone - feel free to jump in with and idea or comment.
Addie k/mo - i used to give them to my son to play with, he loved them (he has since outgrown this pasttime)
Toni - WI - you know TAM, those publishers clearinghouse magazine stickers.
meeha/ece/tx - Publishers Clearing House and similar companies send out these sheets with multiple perforated small stickers (magazine offers) just about the right size for stamps -- when the little ones 'write" each other they like to put a stamp on the envelope!
Spider - Oh, great idea meeha. The kids will love it.
iram - Oh! you get so many of those stickers too! I never thought of that!
Addie k/mo - plus parents would probably send them to school too, unless they give them to their kids to play with
Spider - I just threw two sets out yesterday.
Djinn - Wow - It's amazing what you can learn in so little time! I just love chatting with teachers.
Gumbo/K/La - LOVE those stamps.......always ask parents to send em in for the writing center......
Kathleen:-) - Maybe we could put out a notice to the entire school, or to the PTO/PTA to save cards, calendars, stamps, etc for us
Addie k/mo - that is a good idea, kat
Djinn - Great idea Kathleen - we did christmas wrap as a fund raiser and I asked for everyone to save me the samples - I have tons of small pieces of christmas wrap.
Gumbo/K/La - Got a LOT of envelopes, stationery,etc when bank changed hands.......
iram - I ask for any christmassy things: gift wrap, garland, tinsel, ornaments... you won't believe how many people "change their decorating look" from year to year!
meeha/ece/tx - I save old wrapping paper for 'lotto' games, counting cards, and the like!
Addie k/mo - if you go through principals enough, the school will have to print new envelopes and stationary and you can get the discards! LOL
Kathleen:-) - Djinn, I have those samples too! But every year I forget to use them, so they accumulate!
Djinn - We used them for decorating Christmas Stocking with our buddies - torn paper collages - wreaths - and I still have tons.
TABS - I use wallpaper sample books for a lot of projects
Gumbo/K/La - Some gift wrap makes great counting games.......need the kind that you can cut out to make 'sets'.....write numerals, number words on clothespins, laminate, and great game......
darthyAlabama - New Year's Resol.: Begin a Loose-leaf notebook of good ideas!! Have a Holidays section & you might remember all of that stuff we keep in storage for "another"day
Kathleen:-) - darthy, good idea, the notebook. I use theme boxes (copy paper boxes)but still forget, misplace, misfile :-(
TABS - I used them to cut outChristmas shapes, put students pictures on them
harricon2 - cut pretty part of card into circles and then put them in an oval shape, collage style, to make a placemat, be sure to use clear contact paper
meeha/ece/tx - i've seen those mats - they're generally pretty and fairly sturdy!
reva - Take greeting cards and cut circles out of them with pictures in middle. Glue on 9X12 paper overlapping until paper doesnt show. Laminate and you have a placemat
TABS - I also use the wallpaper samples to make note book cover for the childrens note pads
Kathleen:-) - harricon, that would be pretty. could be laminated, right?
harricon2 - my daughter made one for her art teacher 3 years ago and he still pulls it out each Christmas
harricon2 - sure, laminated would be even better! :)
Djinn - I used an ellsion cutter and cut christmas paper into snowmen- students glued onto fronts of journals for Jan.
cheryl - Not an original but I am using old cards as thank you notes to my kids and for them to write to mom and dad if we ever get back in school
meeha/ece/tx - just thinking ... you could also use the old cards to make 'napkin rings' -- cut a slit in the center of a shape cut from the picture and slide the napkin through...
Djinn - Meeha - what about making pencil holders? cut two slits and slide a pencil or lollypop into slots for a gift or treat?
Chelle/K/PA - Good idea about pencil holders...even candy cane holders!
reva - Cut small circles from cards and glue on paper in shape of tree. Cover each picture with a plain circle. Children uncover one each day until Christmas. Put rolled tape on the back of plain circles. I usually use a yellow circle at top for last one to be removed. There is a poem that goes along with it but do not have it here.
Toni - WI - TABS, where do you get the wallpaper samples. I know we, as teachers, have to be bold and ask businesses for them, but is there an easier way?
harricon2 - I took a cereal box and covered it with paper, glued valentines cards and hearts cut from wall paper all over it, then punched holes in top to make a "shopping bag" look and put cord in each side for handles
TABS - Toni, I just asked our local floor and paper store and they save them for me
Addie k/mo - i get the wall paper samples from wall paper stores....dont know of another way, maybe a parent volunteer would do some scavanging for you?
Kathleen:-) - reva, I can picture a modification of that idea, putting a small photo of each child inside the circles cut from cards to make a tree shape for the door, or smaller as a gift to a special school person, a collage of the class
darthyAlabama - Toni, when I feel I'm not bold enough to ask, I either get a "stronger" teacher buddy or a parent to ask for me!! Sometimes, even after 33 yrs. I "wimp" out!!!
TCH - I make gift tags out of the cards
TCH - also....you can make plaques with old cards too
cheryl - What kind of plaques?
TCH - cut out circles, overlap them while gluing them to oak tag and then laminate
reva - I ask for parents to send old valentine cards when kids are ready to throw them away. We use them the next year to decorate Valentine vests. Vests are cut from grocery sacks, glue on a big heart for a pocket.
reva - Remind kids not to glue pocket shut. They wear them each day we pass out cards in circle time.
Addie k/mo - valentine vests sound adorable!
TCH - calendars are cute....the teacher copies pages of blank calendars for each month and then the students can use them in a collage format at the top of the calendar..these make great gifts too
Djinn - Harri - you could use that for a mennorah, kwanza candles, advent wreath - neat idea
Addie k/mo - so, when the kids pass out valentines, they put them in the vest pockets???? is that right????
Toni - WI - I have to tell you about the class book we made before Christmas. They had to think of the gift they most wanted, and what size box it would come in. We taped a photocopy of a small, medium, or large box on their paper (only tape on the top), and they drew the gift underneath. A lift the flap book,
Debbie - I bought foil and celophane rolls for bargin prices and am having a parent cut it into usuable squares to put in our studio for the children to use.
Addie k/mo - so do they set up their vests and pass out the valentines or is everyone walking around matching up names at the same time??? I am just trying to get this in my head
TCH - the plaques.....have a parent who does woodworking cut out small 3x5 blocks of wood, they can be stained and then the kids can glue the cards onto the plaque...if you get duplicate cards...that spungy thick tape can be placed in between to make a 3-d effect
Kathleen:-) - Toni, neat idea! A variation could be for them to think of a gift they would like to give to someone else
reva - Sorry explanation is not clear. We stand in circle and one person puts his valentines in each pocket. I encourage parents not to put names on outside of envelope(preK). With teacher help we can do more than one child at a time.
darthyAlabama - Couldn't that "lift the flap" book also be made into a Birthday class book???
TCH - I save my cards to do scrap albuming too, but that is just for my own personal use
Addie k/mo - thanks, reva! i just was having trouble seeing how it would work, but loved the vest idea! i usually dont have the names put on ours either, but thought maybe i should so that they could match up the names with the person, but couldnt decide if it would be too chaotic to let everyone do this at once! i have k, and 21 kids, so they wouldnt sit still for everyone to have an ind. turn
TCH - you can cut out cards with those "zig zag" scissors and then glue them to baby food jars and put a votive candle inside to give as gifts
reva - Each child makes a B'day crown in our PreK when they celebrate their B'day. Could cut small pictures from cards to decorate crown with.
Djinn - Chelle - just put them in your art center- bet the kids could come up with their own great ideas.
Kathleen:-) - Addie, I have the kids put names on them, but I like the idea of not..might try that. It ends up we do much of the sorting anyway..would have to start a month ahead otherwise..
TCH - another great craft is to cut the cards into sugar cube sized squares and glue them to an egg that is blown out , then coat the egg with a sealant (you do that part) and there you have an ornament
Djinn - Tch- you could use wrapping paper also - Thanks!
meeha/ece/tx - what a fine motor task that would be, TCH! sounds like fun, too!
TCH - yes...wrapping paper or magazine pictures work well also
Addie k/mo - that is a good idea, reva! then they could just walk around the room and deposit the valentines.....if the kids did their own writing (a little each night) i wouldnt mind the names, but the parents do it and sometimes it is even in cursive!
Chelle/K/PA - What kind of glue do you use?? Do you seal it with something?
TCH - y sealant that a craft store sells
AL /MO - I have a whole box full of all kinds of calenders to use when maybe a child doesn't know what something is
Djinn - Addie- i send out a list printed from my computer - use my label maker- their homework is to cut out the boxes and glue to the cards - then they match the names
Addie k/mo - then it is not a valuable literacy experience for the kids, maybe if i totally explained to the parents that the kids needed to do the writing...or maybe have them bring the envelopes to school and write the names on it
Debbie - As for Valentines. We decorate white sacks. each child prints their name on the outside. I send a list of classmates home 2 weeks early and ask the parents to assist the child in printing the names on. The children love this ownership.
Kathleen:-) - That's right, I ask that the kids copy the names onto the Valentine envelopes, a few each night if they don't have much stamina...hmmm, well, still, that could be done for other purposes
Djinn - Well folks it looks like our chat time is up for the evening. thank you for your wonderful ideas.
Chelle/K/PA - It depends on how many kids you have in the class...why MAKE them address 30 cards?? if they sign their name 30 times, that's great too.
meeha/ece/tx - if the kids all brought the cards to school maybe three or four days before the party, then it could be a daily work job for all until their stack was done1
Addie k/mo - THE COMPUTER!!!!! duh! that way they have all the names, they are spelled correctly and in correct form!
Toni - WI - Thank you Kat and Djinn. This was a wonderful topic!
Djinn - Looks like we need some chat time for Valentines ideas? Do we have one scheduled for Feb. Kathleen?
Kathleen:-) - Thanks, Djinn!! another great idea session! Watch for the transcript everyone! Goodnight and thank you to all who participated! We meet every Tuesday, so come every week! :-)
Djinn - Good night all - this has been delightful!
Kathleen - If you don't do anything else with your leftover greeting cards you can send them to: St. Judes Ranch for Children, 100 St. Judes St. Boulder City, Nevada 89006-0100 This is a house for sick children. The children recycle the cards to make new ones. Just send the front of the card, as long as there are no words on the other side. You can send cards all year long.
