Have you ever read the “That’s Not My…” series by Usborne Books? It is such a fun series that can be used with versatility for many ages. Although this reindeer craft for preschool might be a wee bit easy, it can be a great activity to whip out before winter break as fun and seasonal craft.
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That Magic of Christmas Crafts
Have you ever met one of those Christmas geeks? I’m one of those geeks. Truly, really, honestly. I feel absolutely zero shame or guilt in my Christmas love. I wear my Christmas socks year-round and it’s not uncommon to hear relaxing Christmas music flowing from my Alexa devices in the middle of June.
This time of the year I’m about ready to jump out of my skin in anticipation! Doubly exciting this year is that it’s my baby’s first Christmas. I’ve always had dreams about what I wanted to do with my kids during the holiday season.
Growing up the wonder of Christmas was kindled in our family. From the music to the smells, to the gift-giving, we had it all. One of my favorite memories is the books. My mom packed away a special box of Christmas books every year, and it was such a delight to take out those colorful books every season and cozy in for a time of winter wonderland reading.
Reindeer Craft for Preschool
Giving the gift of literacy to my children is one of my biggest aspirations. So, it comes as no surprise that I had a stack of Christmas books well before my firstborn had even entered this world.
And what better way to share the love of Christmas books than with a holiday craft! This craft is completely tweakable for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Use your imagination. I know you can do it! Because the literacy preschool teacher in me is ever-present, this activity also has a bit of literacy comprehension in it as well!
The reindeer Christmas craft is based on the book That’s not my reindeer...
If you would like the full instructions along with the printable piece, click the button below to download or right here! This is a complete freebie, no email address of sign-up is required.
My little one is currently 7 months old so there was a little extra bit of ‘mommy help’ on these, but if you have older kiddos, please let them do the work! As a Pre-K teacher, I can almost guarantee that those 3, 4, and 5 year old’s are probably more capable of doing all the painting, cutting, and assembling than you think! Let them use those fine-motor skills. Years later you will not regret a little imperfection that showcases your child’s young years.
That's Not my Reindeer - Reindeer Crafts for Preschool
Materials
- That’s not my Reindeer book
- Printable Title and Prompts
- 1 small canvas
- Brown foam
- Ribbon
- Glue
- Red button, pom pom, foam circle, paint, or other material for red nose – be creative the options are endless
- Red washable paint
For Babies
- 2 small balls for Ziplock bag
- Large Ziplock bag
Instructions
- Have the child paint the canvas red. Don’t worry if they don’t spread the paint all the way out! This makes it uniquely theirs.
- Using the brown foam have a grownup trace the child’s right and left hand. If the child is old enough they can practice their scissor skills and cut it out themselves!
- Assemble the reindeer hands using the example pictured.
- Have the child glue the ribbon, eye, and nose on. Grownups can show them an example but feel the freedom to let them assemble it themselves. Embrace the imperfection!
- Prompt the child to finish this sentence: “That’s my reindeer! Its nose is so_____.”
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Language Comprehension
In this reindeer craft for preschool, there will be a bit of language comprehension to note for different age groups.
Language comprehension will look different for every age group. Toddlers and preschoolers may come up with something literal from the book, or completely abstract. Examples include, but are not limited to: shiny, bumpy, rubbery, sparkly, glittery, red, big, little, rough, smooth, icky, sticky, or even made-up words! Toddlers and preschoolers may compare the nose to something that is more familiar, such as an apple, raspberry, ball, or a specific toy.
Another fun language comprehension activity for the holidays is my kid’s recipe activity!
Reindeer Craft Baby Tweaks
For babies, a grownup will help more, but this can still be a great sensory craft. Although it is no longer a reindeer craft for preschool, it still has a lot of benefits!
Put large dots of paint on the canvas and carefully put it in a large Ziplock bag. Place small balls inside and seal it tight. You may even want to duct tape the top if you want extra caution. Let the child roll the balls and the bag to paint the canvas. This is an excellent sensory activity!
When reading the book to your baby, take note if he/she prefers a specific page. Which sensory object does he/she like to touch? Does one make them giggle? Do they do an extra adorable wiggle of delight on a certain page? Use that description to fill in the printable prompt!
Extra note: If you are a busy momma like me, you may not remember in two days why you chose that specific description word for your baby’s canvas. Write it on the back so years down the road you’ll have that delightful memory!