This week Rudolf has been on my mind. Not for obvious reasons like Christmas decor, gift ideas and abundance of red and green candy canes swamping prime locations at the shops, but perhaps that’s what started it off.
That red-nosed reindeer has been swimming in my thoughts for an entirely different reason. It’s a little less glitter and a lot more subtle than most people would expect.
Being yourself.
Yep, the girls (my three daughters) and I have been talking about why it’s important to embrace what makes you unique, and Rudolf shows us just how to do it. He may not look the same as the reindeer around him but eventually, he embraces that nose of his and the rest is history.
It’s not a real story of course, but my kids think it is, and it’s been useful for our chats about loving who you are.
When I suggested we celebrate Rudolf and his nose with a reindeer nature craft, they were keen to try it. We quickly got to work with — wait for it– leaves. I know, I’m mad about leaves!
Here’s how to make your own reindeer nature craft to start the conversation about individuality. Check out some helpful tips to introduce individually concepts below.
Reindeer Nature Craft
What you’ll need:
Leaves (any colour but you will need a red one for the nose)- Thin branching twigs
- Large hole punch
- Permanent marker
- Scissors
Leaves (any colour but you will need a red one for the nose)How to make it:
- Cut the stem off the leaf.
- Use your scissors to cut two sits on both sides of the leaf. Be sure to watch the video below.
- Snap the twigs until you make them similar length. Weave them through the slits you created.
- Using the permanent marker, draw some eyes onto your leaf.
- Cut up another leaf and stick them on to your reindeer as ears.
- Grab the large hole punch and cut out a red nose and stick it onto your reindeer.
- Stick it on a piece of paper and display it.
How to make a reindeer nature craft: watch the video
How to encourage individuality using this reindeer craft?
- Read a Rudolf story and talk about parts of the story. Why didn’t Rudolf like his nose? How did Rudolf feel?
- Talk about being the reindeer that bullied Rudolf. Why did they bully him? What would your child have done if they saw someone being bullied? What would your child do if they were being bullied?
- Make all the reindeer (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen) and line them up in a row. Ask them why Rudolf is so recognisable.
- Ask children to name something that they love about themselves, that makes them unique.
The Rudolf story isn’t perfect, but there are some good points that can help you discuss your child’s unique qualities especially when raised around the Christmas season. Kids are so excited about Christmas they’re really engaged in the topic.
Crafts are perfect for children who need tactile experience to help embed learning. Make this more than a reindeer nature craft and teach individuality at the same time.
More Christmas Nature Crafts?
- Layered leaf Christmas Tree
- Christmas Tree Leaf
- Pinecone Christmas Ornament
- Christmas Tree Nature weave
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