A Box Full of Gratitude

Can we ever really thank our mother’s enough? Flowers, chocolate, jewelry? Probably not. I remember being in elementary school and telling my mom that someday I would buy her her very own Greek Island. I knew she loved Greece and was clearly aware she deserved something big for all she did (I was not an easy child). I am still trying to get my mom that Greek Island, and perhaps just a trip to Greece together someday will do, but there are much simpler ways for children to give back to moms on Mother’s Day. At Shine, we love to paint terra-cotta pots and plant flowering herbs as gifts. Even a homemade card will make any mom feel appreciated.

This week, Shine art specialist Christina Soriano provides a very simple idea to make something very meaningful to give. What we love most about it is that children can add to it all year so moms feel appreciated not jut on Mother’s Day but everyday.

Continue to shine your light on your mom –
Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director

When I was a child I remember creating handmade gifts for my mother all the time, whether it was a card or painting. Show mothers gratitude by creating a box of full of thoughtful “fortunes” where each message is a reason why you’re thankful for them. All you need is a small box, paint, paper, and some genuine, heartfelt thoughts! Read more

As Valentine’s Day is one of those unavoidable consumer holidays, in our classes we use the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day to talk about love and what it means to us. It is fascinating to listen to children discuss who they love, why they love them, and what they can do to express their love. We talk about all the people in our lives that love us and that we love in return: mothers, fathers, teachers, nannies, siblings, grandparents, cousins, friends, even pets. We then set off on a week or two of making homemade cards for all of them. We use Valentine’s Day to actualize the lyrics of one of our favorite songs, “Love is Something if You Give it Away.” We like to have children take time out to make or bake something special for the people they love and give it or mail it to them.

Here, we welcome art teacher and blogger Christina Soriano to the Shine family. She shares a couple of quick, fun, and surprisingly beautiful art ideas for homemade valentines. And remember, a great way to give back around Valentine’s Day is to make cards for your local senior center. Many  seniors don’t have a valentine and to receive a handmade card from a child means more than chocolates or flowers ever could. What better way to illuminate the true spirt of of a holiday that could leave so many feeling lonely.

Continue to shine your light and open your heart –
Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director

Make someone’s heart shine this Valentine’s Day and send them a handmade card! This is by far one of my favorite times of year to create cards and other handmade presents. It is a great way to keep kids creative and engaged on a cold winter’s afternoon. I spent this weekend making some with my four-year-old nephew, Simon. The best part of the activity is that it promotes kindness and gratitude. Start off by asking children to make a list of all the people they care about. The fun part happens when ideas come to life when the glue, scissors, and materials take over!  Here are some ideas you can try at home:

Torn Paper Heart Collage Valentine

Supplies needed:

• Construction paper
• Glue
• Blank stationery

Directions:

• Start by lightly drawing a heart on your stationery with pencil.
• Tear colored paper into small pieces
• Glue and overlap the small pieces within the shape until it is filled in!

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One of the best things about living In New York City is the opportunity to experience diverse celebrations from around the world. It seems almost every culture is represented here and has a parade, party, festival, street fair, or other opportunity for New Yorkers to not just witness but join in. Chinese New Year is one of my favorite cultural celebrations to introduce to young students. From exploration of the food, the colors, the lions and dragons, there is so much appeal for children of all backgrounds.

This week I’m sharing one of my favorite Chinese New Year projects. It’s super simple and can be done with children as young as two years old yet always produces such a beautiful result. Whether it’s a craft or a reading a book, introduce your children to the holiday at home. I then encourage you to take them out to witness the celebration firsthand. Go to the parade in Chinatown or at least out for a walk, to eat some dumplings, and a stroll around Pearl River Mart. Allow them to enjoy the rich culture of the Chinese… it’s unavoidable here in NYC and provides a perfect opportunity for a lesson in cultural diversity.

Gung hay fat choy!

Continue to shine your light –
Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director

Materials Needed:

• Red construction paper
• toothbrushes for painting
• black paint
• black and/or gold glitter
• black yarn
• Chinese tassels
• Masking tape
• Hole puncher

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