Activity One December 2006

Snow globes

This is the season people bring out their winter collection of snow globes. Each snow globe conveys its very own theme. As we look beyond the glittery water, the figurines in each globe tell a very different story. We can see the very picturesque scenes through the falling snow as the globes are gently shook. Shaking the snow away uncovers the hidden figures and the theme that is portrayed in the globe.

Here is a project using paper, glitter, Christmas cards and glue that will remind children what the underlying message is of the Christmas season.

Materials

• White circle of construction paper measuring 9 inches wide
• A blue circle of construction paper measuring 8 inches wide
• Glue
• Cotton balls
• A square base cut from brown construction paper
• Christmas cards with scenes of the Nativity
• Star confetti and spray-on glitter (this may be purchased at craft stores)
  

Cut out the picture of the Nativity from the Christmas card and glue it to the blue circle. Fill the night sky by gluing confetti stars to the blue construction-paper circle above the Nativity picture. Spray the glitter over the picture and the blue circle. Let glitter spray dry. Glue pulled apart cotton balls along the lower edge of the blue circle to look like a pile of fresh fallen snow. Center the blue circle of paper and glue to the white circle of paper. Glue the brown base to the back of the white circle.

Children will enjoy using this snow globe and the simple narrative below, or one they make up themselves, to retell the Nativity story to family and friends. Try teaching this version to the preschoolers before they take their globes home.

Mary and Joseph are the mother and earthly father of this newborn King.

Animals huddle as they watch Mary cuddle this newborn King.

Shepherds hear the angels sing of a newborn King.

Kings come from afar following the star to see this newborn King.

God’s love shines down on all that welcome him,

Jesus our newborn King.