Materials
What to do
1. Show the children a map of North America. Point out where the continental United States is. Show the children that the United States also includes Hawai'i and Alaska.
2. Ask the children what they think life is like in Alaska. Is it warm? Is it cold? Do the children know what kinds of animals might live there?
3. Recite the following poem with the children:
Alaska by Shirley Anne Ramaley
Part of Alaska is icy cold
That is what I am told.
An arctic fox and a polar bear,
I know they both live there.
Lots of snow and lots of ice.
I think that is pretty nice.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
- l Can the children identify Alaska on a North American map?
- l Were the children able to memorize and recite the poem?
-Shirley Anne Ramaley, Sun City, AZ
Instructions
l Cut the string into 24" lengths for necklaces, and 7" lengths for
bracelets.
l Place the string pieces and beads in the small motor center.
l Make a few pieces of jewelry to wear during the introduction of this
activity, to help interest the children.
What To Do
1. Begin by showing the children the homemade jewelry you are wearing.
Ask the children if people in their families also wear jewelry. Ask the
children if they know where their family members got the jewelry.
2. Explain that a jeweler is someone who makes and repairs jewelry.
Jewelers can work at jewelry stores, or they can make and sell jewelry
at neighborhood craft fairs.
3. Set out the jewelry-making materials, and invite the children to try
make necklaces and bracelets. Show the children how to string their
beads on their elastic strings. Challenge the children to make ABAB
and other patterns with the beads.
4. Once the children finish stringing their beads, help them tie the ends of
their strings together so they can enjoy wearing their creations.
Poem
My Necklace by Laura Wynkoop
beads in a variety
of colors and
styles
elastic string
scissors (adult use
only)
Beads by Judy Ann
Sadler
The Silver Locket by
Katharine Holabird
A String of Beads by
Margarette S. Reid
Children's Books
Laura Wynkoop, San Dimas, CA
I made myself a necklace.
It's blue just like the sea.
It's very, very special
Because it's just for me!
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Do the children know where jewelry comes from, and can they say who
makes jewelry?
l Are the children able to string beads to make necklaces or bracelets?
l Can the children make ABAB and other patterns with the beads?
