| When I was a little girl, I remember reading "Mr | | | | rather than throw them away, give them to their friend. |
| Willowby's Christmas Tree" by Robert Berry. First | | | | The craft |
| published in 1963, this story is lovely tale about how a | | | | Since it was christmas time we decided to make bells |
| Christmas tree was too too tall and tossed aside. | | | | out of egg shells. I explained to the children that just like |
| Throughout the story, many people and creatures | | | | the animals in the story, we can take something we no |
| found this little discarded tree, provided a home for it | | | | longer need, cut it, decorate it and make it into |
| but once, chopped it as it too tall for their homes. In the | | | | something that someone else will enjoy. |
| end, a mouse who lived in Mr Wallowby's house was | | | | What you need: |
| thrilled to have a tree for Christmas just like Mr | | | | - Old egg cartons |
| Wallowby! | | | | - Scissors |
| The lesson: When I planned a lesson for the children, I | | | | - string or pipe cleaners |
| thought this would be a perfect story to reinforce the | | | | - Jingle bells or small bells |
| power of recycling, sharing and giving away unwanted | | | | - Glitter |
| things during Christmas time. That someone's "trash" | | | | - Craft paint |
| maybe someone's "treasure". We must be aware of | | | | Preparation: Cut the egg carton into separate cups. |
| what we throw away. During the story ask them the | | | | With the point of the scissors or a sharp pencil, poke a |
| following questions to get them thinking and interacting: | | | | hole in the bottom of each cup. Before you paint, string |
| What happens to things when it goes in the trash? | | | | the bell and push both ends though the hole of the |
| The goal is to have them understand it's larger than | | | | bottom of the cup. Tie at the top. As long as the hole |
| just going in the dumpster and a truck picks it up. | | | | itself is smaller than the bell, the bell will be secure and |
| Explain the trash is taken to a landfill and the length of | | | | jingle. |
| time it sits while decomposing. | | | | Decorate each cup however you like. Mix glitter into |
| What are things we should "save" instead of throw | | | | your paints for a quick colorful sparkle effect or simply |
| away? Ask the children to think of things they know | | | | sprinkle the glitter on top of the cups. By stringing the |
| are good to recycle. Egg cartons, paper products, | | | | cups prior, it makes the bells much easier to move and |
| glass, soda cans are good examples. | | | | relocate while drying. |
| What are things that you can share with others that | | | | In the end, the children loved their bells and couldn't wait |
| you no longer need or enjoy? The goal is to have the | | | | to hang them on their trees or doorknobs at home. I |
| children think about things around their house they may | | | | was happy that my favorite story was passed along |
| not need. for instance if they have a friend that likes | | | | to other children to enjoy. |
| Barbie dolls but they do not like Barbie dolls anymore, | | | | |