Description

Students write sentences to their mothers and include them in beautiful Mother's Day gifts.

Materials

-12 balloons (one for each student)
-Drinking straws (one for each student)
-Ribbon (thin for making scroll)
-Ribbon (wide for flower pot bow)
-Cardstock or construction paper (cut into 3x5 pieces) (one piece for each student)
-16 oz. Styrofoam cups (one for each student)
-Paint
-Paint brushes
-Old newspapers
-Easter grass (may be replaced by green tissue paper)
-Tissue paper (a variety of colors)
-Green pipe cleaners (about 4 per student)
-Permanent marker
-Tape
-Pencils
-Copies of rubric, one per student (See Attached Files.)

Procedures

Note: This activity is designed to be completed the week before Mother's Day.

Session #1:
1. Assemble students in large group. Gather attention by asking questions about mothers such as Who has always taken care of you, even before you were born? Who rocked you when you were a baby? and Who gives you a hug when you get hurt? Discuss responses about mothers and fathers.

2. Say Today we are going to talk about mothers, because this Sunday is a very special day. Who can tell me why this Sunday will be special? Discuss responses and explain the concept of Mother's Day.

3. Tell the students that they will be making gifts for their mothers.

4. Distribute paper and pencils. Have each student write one sentence to tell his/her mom why she is special. Collect papers and assess before session #2.

5. Pass out Styrofoam cups, paint and paint brushes.

6. Instruct students to paint the outside of the cups. Leave the cups in a safe place to dry before session #2.

7. Explain to the students that this will conclude session #1 and tell them when session #2 will occur.

Session #2:
1. After assessment distribute papers to students. Help each student roll his/her paper and tie a ribbon around it.

2. Pass out balloons. Help each student put his/her message into the balloon and blow it up.

3. Tape each balloon to a straw.

4. Have students use a permanent marker to write POP ME! on one side and Happy Mother's Day! on the other side.

5. Provide pipe cleaners and tissue paper. Show students how to layer tissue paper, stick a pipe cleaner through the middle and mash around the top to create paper flowers. Allow time for students to make 3-4 flowers.

6. Provide newspaper and painted cups. Ask students to fill the bottom of their cups with newspaper.

7. Put paper flowers in the cups.

8. Finish filling each cup with Easter grass or green tissue paper.

9. Help students create and glue bows to the tops of their cups.

10. Place the balloon on a straw into the center of the flower pot.

11. If you wish, wrap the entire gift in a large sheet of tissue paper and tie with ribbon. students may create name tags to tie on the outside.

Extensions

1. If a helium tank is available, you could blow the balloons up with helium, tie a ribbon around them, and tie the ribbon around the flower pot. This method would not require straws and tape.

2. Think about the students in your classroom who do not have mothers who participate in their lives. You may wish to provide alternative activities for certain students.