Muffin Case Poppies

Its coming up to that time of year again, where we remember those who gave their lives in the ultimate sacrifice. 

Its a humbling time for those of us who understand the momentous weight of it all, when we consider the price that they paid. I often wonder whether of faced with the same situation again, if we would find it within ourselves to play our part. 

Obviously, working with toddlers, we know that much of this is beyond their little worlds, so in toddler group, for now, we just concentrate on the scarlet of the poppy that is the symbol of our Remembrance.

This poppy craft doesn't allow much for individuality, but they were easy and proved a popular craft when we made them last year. Lets' put it this way; none were left behind!!

Poppy craft

Equipment:

• Red Muffin cases

• Black buttons or large black sequins (we preferred buttons, because they were easier to handle. Bigger buttons are the best.

• PVA glue/glue pots/glue spreaders

• Green lolly sticks

• Felt pen (for writing names on sticks)

• Overalls

• Baby wipes

Preparation:

• Order red muffin paper cases and green lolly sticks (we ordered ours from Amazon). This may need to be done some time in advance, in order to ensure it arrives in time.

• Source/gather black buttons (we bought a selection from Hobbycraft and teased out the black ones.

Method:

1. Show the children how to place a blob PVA glue on one end of their green lolly stick, and place their red muffin case over the top.

2. Show the children how to place another blob of PVA glue in the centre of the red muffin case, and place their black buttons over the glue. Some children used more than one.

3. Write the children's names on their lolly sticks and place on the home table.

Please note: any links to or mentions of specific materials are purely to aid sourcing, no earnings are made via these links.

Paper Plate Poppies

Paper Plate Poppies

Our play group thrives on paper plate activities. There are hundreds on Pinterest, so we are obviously in good company! I can't remember how we arrived at this craft but it was good fun and simple (albeit a bit messy)!

Equipment:

• Painting overalls (Ikea and Ikea baby bibs - the type that cover arms)
• Baby wipes (for clean up purposes)
• Large Paper Plates
• Cheap round baby sponges (Asda)
• Cheap cotton wool balls
• Red poster paint
• Black poster paint
• Sellotape
• Felt pan (for writing names on the back)
• Green drinking straws
• Newspaper to cover tables (optional - we don't, we use a wipeable surface instead)

Method:

1. Roll up sleeves and cover up with painting aprons!

2. Always write child's name on the back first!

3. Attach green drinking straw to the back of the plate with sellotape (easier to do this first, than when it's wet with paint).

4. Help child to use cotton wool to print black blob in the center of the plate.

Of course it doesn't matter if it's not quite central!

5. Help child to use sponge to print red blobs around the black dot.

6. Leave to dry!

NB

Results may vary, but so they should! Each child is unique!