Family is so special to preschoolers, but perhaps one of the most enduring relationships young children have is with their grandparents. It's a love that crosses generations and a bond that is unbreakable. Grandparents truly hold a special place in their grandchildren's hearts!
National Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 8, 2019 and preschools across the country will plan activities and celebrations in honor of this day. Because it falls on the weekend, centers will often plan events the week prior to get ready for the big day.
If you want some unique ideas for how your center can celebrate Grandparents Day, check out this list of activities guaranteed to make kids and their grandparents grin.
Meals with family: Invite grandparents to join their grandkids for breakfast or lunch and offer a special treat such as donuts or cookies. Kids adore having visitors, so this is a sure hit. For those who have grandparents out of town, offer the option to have another special relative visit, so no one feels left out.
Letters of love: Whether they live near or far, have preschoolers draw portraits of their grandparents and then help them write their favorite thing about them. Add personalized stickers like the free Arts and Crafts Stickers that Lifetouch Preschool Photography offers to anyone who schedules a Picture Day.
Handprint art: Grandparents love mementos of their favorite little people, and handprint art is the perfect way
to capture a moment in time. Plus, the options are virtually endless! Have kids add handprints to terra-cotta pots. Add handprints to paper and then draw in details of an animal, such as a bird or a fish. Use red paint for the handprint and dot with black fingerprints to form a berry. Then add the words, "I love you berry much!"
Grandparents rock: Have kids bring in a small rock from home or take a class nature walk to find one for each child. Make sure the rocks are clean and dry, then have kids paint them in any design they desire. Once dry, add the phrase, "Grandma rocks" or "Grandpa rocks," with the date. Grandparents will love getting their special stones and can then add the rocks to their gardens at home.
#1 award: Paint the backside of paper plates with gold paint. Then write "#1 Grandma" or #1 Grandpa" in the center. Afterward, preschoolers can don with a variety of jewels. Add two strips of royal blue construction paper at the bottom to form a ribbon and your students will be ready for a royal award ceremony for the best grandparents around!
Puzzle collage: Wondering what to do with all the old puzzles that have lost or missing pieces? Gather them up for a fun puzzle collage craft. Cut hearts out of construction paper and write or assist kids in writing "I love you to pieces" in the center. Then students can create a collage around the edge with colorful puzzle pieces. You might even add one of those Lifetouch Color Portrait Stickers for a custom creation.
How will you celebrate Grandparents Day with your preschoolers? These ideas will help you create a fun and meaningful event.