FESTIVAL OCCASIONS
Festivals have always held an important place in the life of home and
community. The anniversary of the day of birth, or of marriage, the day
of graduation, or of coming of age--what opportunities they offer for
strengthening the ties of kinship, for creating hallowed associations
that may often prove bulwarks of safety in later days of temptation and
sorrow!
Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, are now National holidays with us, and
our celebration of these beautiful festivals is one more link in the
chain which binds us to all races and creeds; for the return of the sun
at the winter solstice, the renewal of life in the spring, the
ingathering of fruits in the autumn, have appealed to all peoples as
fitting occasions for the expression of religious joy and for mutual
congratulations upon dangers past and the results of work accomplished.
In the joy of such occasions, we must not let them degenerate into the
mere mercenary exchange of material gifts.
Christmas is preeminently the children's day, when we annually remind
ourselves of the divinity inherent in all childhood, and desire to bring
joy to all children and goodwill to all peoples.
Easter means most to the adult who has experienced sorrow and
disappointment and has known something of the anguish and awe and
deepening of life that comes with the message of Death. The pleasure of
the child in the hare and the Easter egg must not be allowed altogether
to overbalance the wondrous symbolism of the Easter lily.
The National holidays--Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, etc.--take us outside the limits of the home and remind us that, as
we thank the men and women of the past for the privileges of the present
which we owe to their sacrifices and aspirations, so we should realize
our obligations towards the future.
In celebrating these different festivals, let the child bear his small
part. We give a few ideas of things which he may do or make. It is these
early impressions which are the lasting ones. The actual service
demanded of the child counts much in the formation of character, though
even more important is the spirit which radiates at such times from the
parents and friends who celebrate or prepare to celebrate these
recurrent holidays. It is the "spirit which giveth life," here, as
everywhere.
The suggestions will be given in the order in which the holidays come in
the year. Where an article is described in another part of the book, it
will not be repeated, but the page number will be given for reference.
NEW YEAR'S DAY
=Place Cards at Table= (_White card_, _pressed four-leaf clover, or
paints_)
1. Having found and pressed four-leaved clovers in the days of summer,
paste one lightly to each place card as symbol of good-luck.
2. Copy a clover-leaf with paints and write on card some appropriate
quotation signifying good-will.
=Decorated Note Paper= (_Writing paper_, _leaf_, _paste or paints_)
Paste a real clover leaf (or paint one) on the writing paper upon which
you may be writing a New Year's letter to your friend.
=Calendar= (_12 oblong blotters, white or colored_, _ribbon to match, 1
inch wide and about 3/4 yards long_, _tiny calendar pad_, _paste_)
Take the calendar pad apart and paste the leaf for each month upon one
of the blotters. Then tie the blotters together with the ribbon. This
makes suitable New Year's gift. (See also page 74.)
=New Year's Bells= (_Red cardboard_, _scissors_, _paste_, _ribbon_)
Cut out a bell and paste a calendar pad on it. Or cut 12 small bells and
paste one leaf of calendar pad on each, stringing all together with
ribbon.
=Good-Luck Pigs=
With our German population the pig signifies "good-luck," and at New
Year's pigs, big and little, made of various materials, are quite in
order. A favorite candy, made of sugar and bitter-almond, is in the
shape of a pig, and is used to present to friends at this holiday time.
Many suggestions already given may be carried out with the pig idea in
mind.
=Midnight Watching=
If friends stay up to watch the Old Year out, any of the above-named
articles may be made by the children for souvenirs. A poem which may
suitably be read at this time is Tennyson's "Ring Out, Wild Bells;"
also, Longfellow's "The Poet's Calendar." A timely topic for discussion
is the never-answered question: When does the new century begin--with
January 1, 1900, or 1901? Timothy Dwight, President of Yale College,
1795-1817, wrote some clever verses apropos of the subject when he
helped usher in the 19th Century.
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY
Save lace papers from candy and soap boxes and they will prove useful
when St. Valentine's Day comes in making Valentines. With these papers
and scissors, paste, scrap pictures of flowers, doves, etc., the
children will spend happy hours in making these dainty souvenirs. We
give a few directions for making some such.
=Single Hearts= (_Red cardboard_, _lace paper_, _scrap pictures_,
_scissors_, _paste_)
Cut a heart out of the cardboard and around the edge paste a border of
lace paper, fulling slightly and attaching it to the under side of the
heart. In the centre of the upper side of the heart paste a pretty scrap
picture. This makes a simple but effective Valentine.
=Chain of Hearts= (_Red cardboard_, _scissors_, _scrap pictures_,
_paste_, _red ribbon_)
Cut several hearts out of the cardboard, and, after punching holes in
the top and bottom of each one, string them together, pasting a scrap
picture on each one if that added touch is desired.
=Double Hearts= (_Red cardboard_, _scissors_, _paste_, _strip of red
paper_)
Cut two hearts of different sizes. Then take a narrow strip of red
paper measuring 1/4 x 1 inch and fold it into thirds. While still folded
attach one end of this paper to the _centre_ of the _upper side_ of the
large heart and the other end to the _centre_ of the _lower side_ of the
smaller heart. This unites the two, one resting on top of the other, the
paper acting as a kind of spring to raise one above the other. Instead
of a small heart a scrap picture may be thus attached on the larger
heart.
In cutting out these hearts it may be necessary first to cut a pattern
out of newspaper, making several trials before a satisfactory model is
secured.
=Lacy Valentine= (_Gold or silver paper_, _white tissue paper_, _scrap
pictures_, _paste_)
Cut from a sheet of gold or silver paper a piece measuring 5 x 7 inches.
Fold this once through the middle so as to make a book of 3-1/2 x 5
inches. Cut a piece from the tissue paper of 3-1/2 x 5 inches. Fold this
two or three times and cut into it tiny perforations--oblongs, diamonds,
circles, hearts, etc. Then open out and observe the lacey effect.
Practice this until something pretty and dainty is secured. Then upon
the centre of the book paste a scrap picture and attach the tissue paper
by its edges to the Valentine in such a way that the picture shows a
little between the perforations. A narrow strip of stiff paper folded in
three, to give the effect of a spring as described above, may be used at
each corner. Inside of the booklet paste other pictures as fancy
dictates. Also write therein some appropriate lines.
=Spider-Web Design= (_Gold or silver paper_, _Bristol board_, _scrap
picture_, _paste_, _scissors_)
Cut a circle of gold or silver paper, three or four inches in diameter.
Fold once, making a semi-circle; fold once more making a quarter-circle.
Beginning at the point of the folded paper, make a tiny cut from one
edge _towards_ the other, but do not cut the point entirely off. Turn
the paper and make a second cut parallel to the first about 1/8 inch
away, the cut being from the other edge of the paper. Turn again and
make a third cut. Each time the cuts grow in length owing to the
increasing width of the triangle or quarter-circle. Continue thus until
the circumference of the folded circle is reached. Then open out and you
have a silver spider-web effect. Take a square or circle somewhat larger
than the web, and in its centre paste a pretty bird, flower, or maiden.
Then paste the web upon this background, putting the paste along the
edges of the web, but leaving the centre free, so that the child can
raise it and peer through the slits at the picture beneath.
Let city children send to country cousins scrap pictures, colored
papers, etc., and sample Valentines, so that their friends may have the
pleasure of making and giving.
Valentine Dinner
SOUP: Put into the clear soup the noodle hearts, which may be purchased
at a grocery store, or have a vegetable soup, slicing the vegetables and
cutting them into little hearts with a knife.
MEAT: Make chicken or beef croquettes, molding them like hearts.
VEGETABLES: Slice the boiled carrots and potatoes and cut into heart
shapes.
BREAD: Cut into hearts.
SALAD: Upon green lettuce leaves place hearts cut from beets.
DESSERT: Ice cream may be obtained in the form of a Cupid or something
similar, and cake may be decorated with white icing having pink hearts
outlined upon it. The peppermint candies in the shape of hearts, which
have sentiments printed upon them, may be passed either at the beginning
or the end of the meal. Cut in half, placing the halves in separate
dishes; then pass one dish to the girls and the other to the boys, and
by matching halves partners may be found. Let the children, however,
remain unconscious of the distinction of sex as many years as possible.
In making preparations for the dinner let the children help.
=Place Cards for Dinner= (_Red paper_, _white cardboard_, _scissors_,
_pencil_)
Cut a heart from the _red_ paper. From the _white_, cut an arrow,
drawing it after a pattern found in some book. Making two slits in the
heart, run the arrow through it. On the reverse side of the heart write
the name of the guest.
=Decorations for Valentine Dinner= (_Red cardboard_, _red ribbon_)
Cut about two dozen hearts all of same size, or graduated in size.
String these upon the red ribbon and suspend over the table.
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY
=Luncheon Card= (_1._ _Picture hatchet_, _cardboard_, _scissors_,
_paints_; _2._ _Same_--_also white or reddish brown paper_)
1. Find a picture of a hatchet and use it as a model from which to cut
one about two inches long. Paint this in colors resembling the real
hatchet, and upon the reverse side write the name of the guest.
2. From a piece of white or reddish-brown paper cut a one-inch square.
Paint so as to resemble cherry wood. Roll so that one edge overlaps the
other a trifle, simulating the trunk of a tree. As they overlap cut a
tiny slit through the two. Cut out a tiny cardboard hatchet, paint as
above, and insert in this slit so that it holds the two edges together.
Before fastening in this way, an appropriate quotation may be written
inside, and the name of the guest on the outside. It should stand up if
rightly made.
=Decorative Cherries= (_Paraffine_, _spool of wire, not too fine_,
_green cloth or paper_, _carmine oil paint_, _brush_, _paste_)
Purchase at the grocer's cakes of paraffine such as is used for
preserving purposes. Heat a cake in a dish so that it is soft enough to
model into balls the size of a cherry. While still pliable make a slight
depression in its surface. Having previously rolled the wire in the
green tissue paper, and cut into inch strips for stems, insert this into
the cherry at the depressed part of its surface. Cut out cherry leaves
of paper, or better dark green cloth, place a little paste on these
leaves at the back and arrange a stem on each one. When the stem of the
cherry is firmly fastened in the fruit, paint the surface with carmine
oil paint. This gives a polished appearance to the surface like the
natural cherry.
The stems of the green leaves may be trimmed about the stems of the
cherries in twos or threes or more, according to the number of cherries
used.
=Paper Chains= (_Colored paper in sheets or cut into strips_, _paste_,
_small brushes or sticks_)
The making of paper chains, in contrasting or uniform colors, is a
delightful pastime for children of all ages. Very little children may
easily learn to make one loop at a time, and, with assistance, are soon
able to fasten several loops together.
Kindergarten Supply Stores furnish strips of colored paper already cut,
and put up in packages. These strips measure 36 inches in length. It is
very easy, however, to cut strips from large sheets of paper, and it is
an excellent lesson in accurate cutting for children over ten years of
age.
These paper strips may measure one or two inches in width and the entire
length of the sheet. Cut the long strips into short strips measuring
four inches in length. Holding the four inch strip in the left hand, put
a very little paste on the under surface of one end of the strip.
Overlap the pasted end of the strip to its unpasted end, and hold firmly
until fastened. You now have one paper loop. Through this loop is placed
another four inch strip--the paste is added in the same manner. Now you
have two loops. Continue doing this until you have the chain the
required length. These chains are very effective when used in
decorating.
For Washington's Birthday, red, white and blue paper would be used for
the chains.
=Bonbonnieres= (_White tissue paper_, _red and blue aniline dyes_)
Very attractive bonbonnieres may be made by cutting oblong shaped sheets
of white tissue paper, measuring 6 inches in length and 5 inches in
width. Fringe the shorter edges of the paper, making fringe 1 inch
deep.
Dissolve any good red and blue dyes in boiling water, and place in
separate dishes. Dip one fringed end of tissue paper into the red dye
for one second, and dip the other fringed end into the blue dye. Shake
these ends gently in order to let the water drip from them. When they
are dry, place a large sized candy in the centre of the paper, and
gathering up the fringed ends, twist them close to the candy, thus
forming a feathery effect in two colors. These are very pretty when
arranged on the table either in quantity or singly.
=Tents= (_White shelf paper_, _paste_, _match stick_, _red, white and
blue paper_)
Groups of white tents, made of white shelf paper, capped at the top with
tiny American flags, may be placed at short distances from the centre
piece of a luncheon or supper table with good effect.
The large sheets of shelf paper may be bought at any grocer's. Cut them
into four-inch squares. Place the paper before you on a flat surface, an
edge nearest you. Fold the front edge to the back edge of square; crease
the paper at the fold, open the paper and fold the right edge to left
edge of square; crease the fold again. Open the paper and turn the
square so that a corner points towards you. Fold this front corner to
the back corner, so that the two points exactly meet.
Crease on the fold, open the paper, and fold the left corner to the
right corner of the square. Crease on the fold. Open the paper; before
you you have a square of paper, with eight folds across its surface, a
fold running front edge to back edge, from right edge to left edge,
from right corner to left corner, from left corner to right corner. Turn
the square of paper over so that all the folds on the surface of the
paper are on the upper side of the square. Place the square with a
corner toward you.
You will now see eight folds running from the four edges and four
corners to the centre of the square. Crease with thumb and forefinger of
right hand the fold running from lower right edge to centre of square.
Place this right hand fold of square forward so that it lies along the
fold which extends from the corner directly in front of you to the
centre of the square. Follow the same directions in folding the crease
that runs from the lower left edge to centre of square. These two folds
touch now on the fold that runs from front corner to centre of square.
You will see a small triangle extending below the two folds which thus
meet in front of you. Fold this small triangle back toward the centre,
and underneath the two folds that meet in front of you. One half of your
tent is folded. The same directions must be followed in folding the
other side of the square.
The two small triangles must be carefully folded so that the tent will
stand evenly when finished. You will see when the front and back part of
the tent is finished that you have the right and left corners to dispose
of. Fold these corners underneath the tent, so that when it is placed in
an upright position it will stand firmly. To make the tent stand well,
crease the edges that run from the four corners to top of tent, thus
making an exact pyramid. The use of a little paste in securing the folds
is of great assistance.
To represent the tent pole, a wooden match, gilded, may be used. To this
attach a tiny American flag made of pliable red, white and blue paper.
=Paper Lanterns= (_Scissors_, _red, white and blue paper_, _liquid gold
paint_, _box of small candles_, _circular box covers_, _baby
ribbon--red, white and blue_)
Lanterns made of red, white and blue paper, each of one color only,
ornamented with gold paint and tied with the red, white and blue baby
ribbon, are extremely pretty for supper decorations. When suspended from
the chandelier above the centre of a supper table, a lighted candle in
each little lantern, the effect is charming.
In view of entertainments where decorations are called for, it would be
well to lay aside all small circular box covers that find their way into
the household. The small box covers that measure 2-1/2 inches in
diameter may be taken as a standard size. These box covers form the
bottom of the lanterns.
Cut from the colored paper an oblong piece measuring 8 inches in length
and 5 inches in width. Lay the oblong piece of paper before you with its
long edges running right and left. Draw a pencil line the length of the
paper 3/4 of an inch from the upper edge; 3/4 of an inch from its lower
edge draw another line which will be parallel to the first.
From the upper pencil line to the lower pencil line draw 15 lines 1/2
inch apart. These upright lines will form 14 narrow oblongs. Use very
sharp pointed scissors, and cut away each alternate oblong. Paste the
two short edges of the oblong paper together, one end overlapping the
other. The body of the lantern is now finished.
Let a little wax drip from a candle on the inside of the circular box
cover at its centre. When a little bed of soft wax is formed, place an
unlighted candle on it in an upright position. Place a thick coating of
Spaulding's glue on the inner surface of circular rim of the box cover,
and carefully fit the body of the lantern into it.
When the paper lantern is securely fastened, gild heavily the outside
rim of the box cover and the upper and lower circular bands which form
top and bottom borders of the lanterns. In the top circular band punch
four holes equal distances apart, through which the ribbons are run.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY--MARCH 17TH
=Place Cards= (_White cards_, _water-color or oil paints_, _brush_)
Paint a picture of shamrock upon the card. It may be copied from some
picture, if not from the real plant. If not possible to find a picture,
our wild-wood-sorrel (_Oxalis acetosella_) is supposed to be the same as
the shamrock and may be used for model. Some authorities believe the
white clover to be the original shamrock.
=Flags= (_Irish flag_, _green paint_, _gold paint_, _brush_, _scissors_,
_slender sticks_)
If one Irish flag is bought the children may copy it, painting a number,
one for each guest, or for decorating table. Glue flags to sticks.
=Ribbon Flags= (_Green satin ribbon, one inch wide_, _wooden toothpick_)
Cut the ribbon into oblongs to make wee flags. Glue to tiny flagsticks
and put at places at dinner table.
=Shamrock Plants=
The real shamrock is now brought over and may be purchased in March. A
little plant makes an appropriate souvenir. Or several weeks before the
day, children may plant shamrock seed in tiny pots for use on the 17th.
=Potato Race=
A potato race is an appropriate game for St. Patrick's Day. (See page
94.) Give cork doll for prize to winner of race (page 81), as souvenir
from Cork.
=St. Patrick's Dinner=
Have as many green vegetables and side dishes as possible. Spinach will
color the soup. Green vegetables and salads are easy to obtain and ice
cream may be colored with pistache. Irish flags may be suspended over
the table.
=Dinner Souvenir= (_Blotting paper_, _souvenir postcards_, _green ribbon
1/2 inch wide_)
Give each guest a blotter made thus: Buy souvenir postcards with
pictures of Killarney and other Irish views. Cut the blotting paper into
sheets of same size as cards. Place together. Punch hole at one end and
tie together with ribbon.
EASTER
=Egg Shell Garden= (See page 25)
=Sponge Garden= (_Small, clean sponge_, _birdseed_)
A few days before Easter, sprinkle the sponge with birdseed. Keep damp
and the seeds will sprout and cover the sponge with growing blades of
green.
=Easter Eggs= (_1._ _Diamond dyes_, _a dozen eggs_. _2._ _Small figured
calico_, _lye_, _boiling water_)
1. Boil the eggs hard and dye with the colors according to directions on
package, which may be had at drugstore, price five cents.
2. Wind strips of the bright calico around the eggs and boil in water
strongly saturated with lye. The lye extracts the color, which will be
found printed upon the eggs.
=Place Cards for Easter Breakfast= (_1._ _White paper_, _scissors_,
_paints_. _2._ _Plain white cards_, _paints_)
1. If possible secure a real Easter lily for a model. If this cannot be
obtained, a picture of one will answer. From the paper cut, freehand, if
possible, the shape of the lily and paint it lightly; just a little
shading and the golden center. Place the guest's name upon the reverse
side. It may be necessary to draw the lily first before cutting, but the
freehand cutting is a good exercise.
2. Decorate a white card with the picture of a lily, or a tulip, using
water-color paints. Below the flower write an appropriate flower motto.
=Celluloid Place Cards= (_White celluloid_, _scissors_, _pencil_)
Get from a dictionary or natural history a good picture of a butterfly
with open wings. Draw a pattern from this and then outline a number of
these on the celluloid and cut out. These dainty, spirit-like
butterflies will make suitable place-cards, having the name of guest on
the reverse side.
Cut Easter lily of celluloid in same way.
=Easter Chicken= (_Yellow worsted_, _black beads_, _quill toothpick_,
_cardboard_, _wooden toothpicks_, _or picture-wire_.)
Make a yellow ball as described on pages 96-7 for the body of the
chicken. A smaller ball makes the head. Sew on the beads for the bright
black eyes; cut the quill into shape of a bill and sew into place. Let
wooden toothpicks form the legs; or, better still, take picture-wire
made of several strands. Wind some of this around the body, letting the
ends of the wire extend about 1-1/2 inches below the body; sew to the
body to keep in place. Then pick out the ends of the wire a little to
suggest toes and wind the legs with worsted. Sew chicken to a card.
=Easter Card= (_Parquetry circles used in kindergarten_, _paste_, _gray
card_, _scissors_)
The little child may make an Easter card by pasting upon a
neutral-tinted card pictures of tulips made of the kindergarten
parquetry papers. Cut in half either red or yellow circles. Place so
that the lower ends touch and the upper ones are a little apart,
suggesting a tulip. A strip of green paper will represent the stem and
an older child can cut leaves of the green paper and paste on. Have a
real tulip from which to copy. Child may give this to Father on Easter
morning.
=Toy Screen= (See page 63)
Make dainty screen as described, and paste on each panel a tiny _Easter_
picture (Perry pictures may be had by addressing firm in N. Y. City).
Give to Mother on Easter morning.
=Church Window Transparency= (See page 77)
MEMORIAL DAY
We give no special suggestions for the celebration of Memorial or
Decoration Day. The ideas given under the headings of the other
patriotic holidays, as Washington's Birthday and Fourth of July, may be
used also for this holiday, but it is not a day for mere play.
If the parents plan to go to the cemetery let the child accompany them
and carry flowers, preferably those of his own raising or plucking.
=Reading=
It would be well also on this day to read some great piece of patriotic
literature, either prose or poetry, which will help the older children
to realize the great debt which we owe to the preservers of our country,
to whom we dedicate this day. Lincoln's Gettysburg address should be
read. Also Lowell's "The Present Crisis." "Bugle Echoes," compiled by
Francis F. Browne, contains 150 poems of the Civil War, both Northern
and Southern.
=Badge= (_Sheets of red, white, and blue paper_, _scissors_, _paste_)
A simple badge may be made for the children to wear in this fashion:
1. Cut a circle 3/4 inches in diameter out of the red paper. Cut also
from the red, white and blue sheets strips of 2 x 5 inches. Paste the
three strips together at the upper end like ribbons, letting them spread
a little apart at the lower end. Paste the circle at the upper end to
finish off.
2. Another style may be made by placing the three colors so that one
lies directly above the other. In this case the blue is 5 inches long,
the white four inches, and the red three inches. Fasten to dress or coat
with a safety pin.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
=Firecrackers= (_Red paper_, _hemp_ _string_, _paste_)
Get large sheets of red paper to be found at department stores or
wholesale paper houses, measuring about 35 inches in length and 26
inches in width. From each one cut thirteen 2-inch strips, cutting the
length of the sheet. Fold each strip once across the width of the strip,
and cut through the center at the fold. This gives twenty-six 2-inch
strips of paper, the width of the small sized firecrackers.
Hold a strip of paper between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand.
Moisten the thumb of the right hand a very little, and roll the end of
the strip towards the left, as one does in rolling a paper taper. Keep
the strip rolled tightly until the other end of the strip is reached. If
the cracker seems too loosely rolled unroll it a short distance, and
gently pull the strip into form again.
Place a little paste on the under side of the loose end of the strip,
and press the pasted end firmly on the rolled surface of the cracker.
Hold this until it adheres to the surface of the cracker. Cut the hemp
string into three-inch pieces. Dip one end of the string into the paste,
then insert this pasted end into one end of the cracker at the little
opening which is found at the very center. Hold this firmly for a
moment, or until the string is securely fastened.
Tie six or eight firecrackers into bunches with red, white and blue
ribbons, and lay them over the white surface of the luncheon or supper
table.
=Firecracker Card= (See page 55)
=Drums= (_Small wooden boxes_, _liquid gold paint_, _Spaulding's glue_,
_red, white and blue baby ribbon_, _small sticks for drum sticks_)
The market basket will, from time to time, furnish the housekeeper with
small circular boxes labeled: Electro-Silicon Silver Polish. These
wooden boxes, measuring 8 inches in circumference and 12 inches in
height, make, when prettily ornamented, very attractive drums.
Remove the cover of box, and place on its inner rim a coating of
Spaulding's glue. Place the cover on the box again, and put aside until
it is fastened. Place the box on a sheet of stiff white paper, and
holding it firmly, draw a pencil line around its edge. Now remove the
box, and you will see that you have outlined a circle. Using this circle
as a model, draw a second circle. Cut out these circles, following the
pencil very accurately. These two circles form the two heads of the
drum, and are to be pasted on the top and the bottom of the box. Gild
the circular surface of the box. Cut strips of red or blue paper,
measuring 8-1/2 inches in length and 1-1/2 inches in width. Brush the
under surface of these strips with paste, and place one strip at the top
and one at the bottom of the drum, 3/4 of an inch above the rim of the
drum. These strips answer to the wooden bands which hold the drum heads
in place. Red, white and blue baby ribbon may be carried from the upper
to the lower edges of the drum if desired to represent the cords which
hold the drum securely.
Little wooden sticks, gilded and tied at the side of the drum form the
drumsticks.
The smaller Electro-Silicon boxes, measuring 2-3/4 inches in
circumference and 1-1/3 inches in height, may be used in the same way.
=Rosettes= (_Red, white and blue tissue paper_, _a strong needle_,
_white sewing silk_, _white library paste or well-made flour paste_)
Lay nine sheets of tissue paper one upon another, alternating the
colors, red, white and blue. Fold these sheets together very smoothly
once, thus making 18 smaller sheets if they were cut apart, but do not
cut. Lay a silver dollar or fifty-cent piece (depending upon the size
required) at the upper left-hand corner of paper. Draw a pencil line
around the rim of the silver piece. Move the piece of money to the right
and draw another circle. Continue this drawing circles until you have
covered the surface of the paper.
Thread a needle with the sewing silk, knot the end of the thread and
take several firm stitches through the center of each circle in order to
hold the sheets of paper together. With sharp scissors cut out each
paper circle, and fringe by cutting, but not too finely, from the edge
to within 1/8 of an inch of the center of the circle. Hold the knot on
the under side of the circle between the thumb and forefinger of the
left hand. Slightly moisten the forefinger of the right hand and brush
gently over the fringed surface toward the center of the rosette. At the
back of each rosette put a bit of paste, then lay rosettes on strips of
paper one inch in width. Do not overlap the rosettes, but arrange to
allow the edges to touch.
These strips of rosettes may be used as festoons. As decorations for
cakes or dishes of fruit they can be used most effectively.
=Shields for Luncheon Cards= (_Cardboard_, _red and blue paper_, _baby
ribbon--red, white and blue_, _gold paint_, _water-color paints--red
and blue_)
Attractive luncheon or supper cards, suitable for patriotic occasions,
may be made in the form of shields. Turn to the fourth page of Webster's
Unabridged Dictionary, and find the shield used as the American
Coat-of-Arms. This shield, enlarged to a size measuring 2-1/2 inches in
length and 2-1/2 inches in width across the upper part, forms an
excellent model. If one does not draw habitually, use tracing paper when
tracing the pattern. If one uses watercolor paints successfully, paint
the deep blue band across the upper part of the shield, and the twelve
red stripes running from the band to the lower edge of the shield. For
those who do not paint, dark red and blue paper may be substituted very
successfully. A touch of gold paint on the edge of the shield adds
greatly to the effect.
Write each guest's name on a card measuring 2-1/2 inches in length and
1-1/2 inches in width. Attach a card by means of red, white and blue
ribbon to upper corner of each shield.
=Rockets= (_Red, white and blue paper_, _paste_, _gold paint_, _slender
wooden sticks_)
Rockets are made in the same manner as firecrackers, excepting that the
paper strips are cut wider, viz.: 3 or 4 inches in width, and more
strips are required to give the proper size. This may be left to the
maker's discretion.
When the rockets are rolled and pasted after the manner of the
firecrackers, insert the sharp point of a pencil into the center of one
end of each roll, and gently push out this center to the distance of two
inches. This will give the pointed end of the rocket. These pointed ends
may be gilded, as well as the slender sticks which are inserted at the
other ends.
LABOR DAY
The words "parade" and "procession" are associated in the minds of most
American children with long lines of soldiers, and the small boy will
play for hours putting his tin soldiers in rank and file, or marching
with his comrades, with pans for drums.
In these later days, when the spirit of the Peace Congress is in the
air, it is well that the children should become interested in struggles
and battles of a different and higher order and in the parades in which
long lines of honorable workers take part.
In this country all self-respecting people are workers in one way or
another, and though in the course of progress of cooperative movements
and combinations, among many kinds of workers, there may have been
much of injustice, such movements have also been accompanied by
self-sacrifice, courage and generosity of a high order. In time the good
will far out-weigh the evil. As Labor Day approaches, the children,
especially if the father expects to take part, will be readily
interested in the day and what it should mean--the solving of the great
problem of the twentieth century. Meanwhile let the children feel the
beauty of Walt Whitman's lines:
"Ah little recks the laborer
How near his work is holding him to God,
The loving Laborer through space and time."
The Labor Day parade is a revival, or survival in modern guise, of the
mediaeval processions of the Guilds. Such a procession is charmingly
represented in Wagner's delightful opera, "Die Meistersinger," wherein,
on a festival day, we see the bakers enter, bearing the insignia of
their trade, enormous pretzels and other cakes. The cobblers march in
with gigantic boots and slippers suspended from tall poles; the butchers
carry hams and festoons of sausages, etc. The child may imitate such a
parade in his play.
In talking with the child, emphasize the obligation to do good, true
work and to take pride in such. Let fidelity and trustworthiness be his
watchwords.
=Parade= (_Poles or broom handles_, _wrapping paper or newspaper_,
_scissors_, _tacks_, _rakes_, _spades_, _etc._, _flags and banners_)
Let the children cut from the paper large outlines of shoes, boots,
hams, saws, try-squares, clocks, watches, enormous pens, knives, forks,
etc., and fasten with pins or tacks to the poles. Then march to the tune
of some stirring air.
Some may be able to secure small garden rakes, spades and toy brooms to
carry. The American flag and banners should also be carried.
=Toy-Processions= (_Trade catalogues_, _toothpicks_, _paper dolls_,
_etc._)
Cut out paper dolls and let each one carry a tiny toothpick upon which
has been pasted a picture cut from some catalogue. These catalogues will
furnish pictures of shoes, carriages, saws, hammers, watches,
furniture, etc. Be sure that little American flags are also carried.
Dolls may be glued to spools for standards.
=Place Cards for Dinner=
1. (_Bristol board_, _scissors_, _paints_, _brush_)
Make place cards of Bristol board, which may be cut into shape of shoes,
watches, etc., and painted accordingly. The name of guest may be placed
on reverse side. Or, on plain white card, paint a picture emblematic of
a trade and write upon it also some quotation from a writer of
democratic spirit.
2. (_Tiny cast-iron rakes, spades and hatchets--1 cent each._)
As a souvenir, give each guest a tiny cast-iron spade, rake and hatchet
tied together with cord. Or, for a joke, these may be placed by each
plate instead of knife, fork and spoon.
3. (_Pen and ink or pencil_, _white card_.)
Draw on a plain, white card a picture of an ant, bee or beaver as
emblematic of labor. Use for place cards.
4. (_Frances S. Osgood's poem, "Labor,"_ _white cards_, _pen and ink_.)
On each card write one stanza of this beautiful poem, and after the
close of the meal let each guest in turn read the lines on his card. It
would be well for every child to commit this poem to memory. It is long,
but sings itself easily into the mind. The word-pictures it calls up are
exquisite and the learning of it, little by little, would not be an
unhappy task.
HALLOWE'EN
This is the festival which is given over to all kinds of merry pranks
and is dearly loved by the children. It is an opportunity to teach them
to discriminate between the fun which is kindly and that which is
malicious and productive of needless pain.
=Ducking for Apples and Nuts= (_Large pans or tubs_, _apples_, _nuts_,
_pennies_)
Let the children, young and old, for once get themselves wet, if
necessary, in ducking for the nuts and apples floating in the water.
With a little suction some of the children will be able to get pennies
from the bottom of the tub.
=Fortune-Telling=
1. With Needles. (_Needles_, _pan of water_)
Name a needle for yourself and one for a friend, and put in the water,
but not together. If they move safely across, it betokens good luck. Two
needles meeting indicate life partnership.
2. With Toy Ships. (_Pan of water_, _nut ships as described on page 22_)
Name one little vessel for yourself and one for a friend and set them
afloat. If they come to port on the other side all is well.
3. With Apple Rinds. (_Apple_, _knife_)
Pare an apple so that the skin comes off in one long piece. Toss over
the head upon the floor, and the form it takes will give the initial
letters of the name of one's future mate.
4. With Cake. (_Cake_, _thimble_, _ring_, _penny_, _etc._)
Bake a cake, hiding in the dough a thimble, a ring and a penny. When
cut, the recipient of the ring is fore-doomed to marriage; the one
getting the thimble will be a spinster; the one receiving the penny will
have the pleasures and responsibilities of wealth.
=Apple-Biting Contest= (_Apple suspended from a string_)
1. The apple is set swinging and two people, standing opposite each
other, try as it passes to seize and hold it in the mouth. They must not
touch it with the hands.
2. Tie an apple by its stem to the middle of a string about a yard long.
Then two people, each taking one end of the string in the mouth, begin,
at a signal, to gather it as fast as possible into the mouth, and so to
reach the apple. This belongs to the one reaching it first.
=Refreshments=
Apples, nuts, popcorn, cider, gingerbread and doughnuts are suitable for
lighter refreshments. Baked beans and plain ice-cold rice pudding were
once eaten with decided relish at a New York City Hallowe'en party, the
city people evidently enjoying the contrast between this feast and the
usual caterer's service. Serve fruit from a kettle suspended from three
cross-sticks, _a la_ witch.
=Decorations=
Jack-o'-lanterns of pumpkins; strings of apples, popcorn and
cranberries, and toy brooms hung here and there, as reminders of the
witches who are said to be abroad, will add to the occasion. The
pumpkins should be cut to resemble skulls.
=Reading=
Have some one read "Tam O'Shanter's Mare" (Burns); also some good ghost
story. Thomas Kendrick Bangs' "Ghosts Which I Have Met" contains some
good stories, all absurd. Choose a good reader for this.
=Place Cards=
1. (_White or tinted cards_, _Palmer Cox Brownies_, _ink_, _pen_)
The Brownies are delightfully funny little people without a suggestion
of anything coarse or evil. The children love them. Let the older ones
copy and cut them out to use as invitation cards for the Hallowe'en
party or for place cards.
2. (See "Pricking," page 165.)
Since witches are always associated with the pricking of pins, this is
an appropriate occasion for using the kindergarten pricking. Outline
some of the Brownies on tinted cards and prick as directed on page 165.
3. (See Pumpkin Jack-o'-lantern cards, page 135.)
THANKSGIVING
=Place Cards= (_White paper or cardboard_, _brush and paints or pen and
ink_)
1. Cut out a turkey, copying from some picture if necessary. (Picture
may be found in dictionary.) If skilful with brush or pen, indicate the
feathers, eye, etc.
2. Draw picture of a pumpkin. Cut it out. Paint in deep orange tones
with shadings of brown. Cut into it eyes, nose and mouth, suggesting
Jack-o'-lantern.
3. On white cards write stanzas from Whittier's poem, "The Pumpkin Pie,"
and let each guest read his stanza in turn.
4. Cut as many triangles as there are guests and paint each to resemble
a slice of pie. One side of triangle should be curved.
5. Find a simple figure of a Puritan maiden and draw in outline; then
cut out and paint or draw in black ink the important lines. Use as place
card.
6. Make little walnut boats (see page 22), and on each sail write name
of guest.
7. Find picture of Mayflower and copy on white card. On reverse side
write a stanza of "The Breaking Waves Dashed High." Let each guest read
his lines. (Or parts of "Hiawatha" about Mondamin may be used.)
=Table Souvenirs= (_Tiny cast-iron gardening tools, 1 cent each_)
As described under Labor Day, these tiny penny tools may be put at each
place, the hatchet representing the knife, the rake the fork, and the
spade the spoon. Attach name of guest to set.
=Butter Modeling= (_Clay modeling tools_, _firm butter_)
If any child has acquired a little skill in clay modeling, let him try
his hand at modeling out of firm butter some form expressing a
Thanksgiving thought. It may be a piece of fruit, or some animal. Get
clay modeling tools at art store.
=Center Piece= (_Pumpkin_, _knife_, _fruits and vegetables_)
Hollow out a pumpkin in such a way that a part of the rind is left as a
handle to the remaining part, which serves as a basket. Into this basket
put a variety of fruits and vegetables, emblematic of the bounties for
which we are grateful.
=Jack-o'-lantern= (_Pumpkin_, _knife_, _candle_)
We doubt if any boy needs to be told how to cut a face in a pumpkin. A
sharp knife will soon make the cuts for eyes, nose and mouth in the
rind, the seedy contents having been previously removed. A hollow may be
cut in the bottom of the interior to hold the candle, which can be made
still steadier by melting a little from the bottom and letting it drip
into this hollow, forming a waxy bed into which the candle may be
inserted.
=Candlesticks=
See pages 24 and 64 for those made of apples and of cardboard and
colored papers.
=Room Decorations=
1. Corn Stalks. (_Strong cord and needle_, _hammer and tacks_.)
Stack cornstalks in the corners of the rooms in effective positions, two
or three to a corner. Those living in cities may find it well to secure
these from farmer friends some time before the holiday.
2. Unhusked Ears of Field Corn. (_Strong cord._)
The corn husks must be turned back from the ears and cut off from them
without loosening the separate leaves. Then a number of these husks may
be strung upon a strong thread or string alternating with the ears of
corn. Hang along the upper part of the wall as a frieze. The rich, warm
tones of the brown and yellow are very effective.
3. Cranberries and Brussels Sprouts. (_String_, _needle_.)
Run upon a string half a dozen cranberries, then a Brussels sprout; then
more cranberries, etc., and suspend this as a festoon along mantelshelf,
in chandelier, or over window.
4. Autumn Leaves. (See page 47.)
5. Autumn Boughs. (_Oak boughs._)
Oak boughs, with the rich red and russet leaves still upon them, are
very handsome in the autumn. The beautiful branches may be gathered by
the young people and hung in parts of the room where most effective.
CHRISTMAS
=Place Cards=
1. (_Sheet black paper_, _Chinese white water-color paint_, _brush_.)
Cut a stocking from the black paper (obtainable at kindergarten supply
store). With the paint, paint in white toes and heels. On the reverse
side write some appropriate quotation and name of guest. Stockings may
be about four inches long.
2. (_White paper_, _black ink or crayon_.) Cut a rough figure of a
snowman out of white paper, put in features with black ink or crayon,
and write name on reverse side.
3. (_Water paper_, _water-colors_, _scissors_, _spray of holly_.) From
real holly or a picture of same, paint a spray of green leaves and red
berries. Cut out around the edges and use as name card.
4. (_Red cardboard_, _scissors_, _pen_, _ink_.) Draw an outline of a
bell on cardboard and cut out. An appropriate sentiment may be written
upon one side and name of guest upon the other.
=Surprise Nuts= (See page 23)
=Snowflakes for Tree= (See page 59)
=Snowball= (_White cotton batting_, _snowflake crystals from toy store_,
_white cotton cloth_, _sewing thread_, _mucilage_)
Cut two circles of cotton cloth, stuff with the batting, after sewing
into shape of ball. Cover lightly with snowflake crystals, first dipping
ball lightly into thin mucilage. Suspend from tree.
=Candles= (_Paraffine or old candles_, _kettle_, _soft cotton string_,
_small box of sand_, _pencil_)
Candles have sometimes been made in the kindergarten in either of the
following ways:
1. Heat a pound of paraffine (bought at grocer's), or melt up some old
candle ends in a kettle. Place in front of the child a cigar box
containing about a quart of moist sand, smoothed level. Then with his
pencil let him press into the sand, making a deep, hollow mold just the
width of the pencil. Now let him hold a short piece of string so that it
hangs down into this mold. An older person will then pour some of the
melted wax into the mold. It will cling to the string, and in a moment
or two will cool enough to be drawn out, making a little candle that can
be used for the Christmas tree, or put into a clay candlestick, also
made by the child. (See below.)
2. Put the kettle containing the melted wax before the child and let him
dip into it a piece of string about four inches long. Then let him take
it out in a moment and lay it aside to cool. A very little wax will
cling to it. Meanwhile he dips in another string and puts aside to cool.
When cool he takes up the first one and dips it in a second time, and a
new coat of wax adheres. He proceeds thus until the candles are as large
in diameter as desired (about 1/2 inch at base). The candles may be put
into clay candlesticks, also made by the child.
=Candlesticks= (_Clay_, _a tin or china candlestick to use as model_)
Let the child take a candlestick and copy in clay; it should be of
simple form, a mere cylinder, with just enough of a base to make a firm
standard.
=Candlesticks= (_Cardboard_, _scissors_)
Cut small squares of cardboard. The candles may be made to stand
temporarily upon these by melting the lower ends of the candles and
letting some of the wax drip upon center of the cards, and then pressing
the candle down upon the melted wax. These may be placed upon the table
on Christmas morning.
=Christmas Carols=
Let the children learn some simple old carol, as a secret, and Christmas
morning have them sing it softly and sweetly to awaken father. A full
program of songs suitable for this most beautiful of days will be found
in the little book, "The Children's Messiah," compiled by Mari Ruef
Hofer, price 20 cents. It gives also the address of a firm publishing
stereopticon views for illustrating the program suggested.
=Spider-Web Party= (See page 104)
Arrange the twines of several colors as described on page 104, and at
the end place the gifts belonging to each child.
=Popcorn= (_Popcorn_, _popper_, _thread_, _needle_)
Pop the corn and string into festoons with which to decorate the tree.
=Christmas Bells= (_Red cardboard_, _scissors_, _thread_, _needle_)
Make bells as described on page 109, only make them of various sizes.
String, and use to decorate table or tree, or to festoon from the center
of the ceiling to the corners and sides of the room.
=Kindergarten Lanterns= (_Red, gold, or silver paper_, _scissors_,
_thread_, _paste_)
Take a kindergarten square of pretty paper or make a square of some
attractive wrapping paper. Fold once into an oblong. Now cut a series of
parallel lines from the fold toward the edge, stopping each about 1/2
inch from edge. Open and paste one end so that it overlaps the other,
the cuts running vertically. This makes the lantern bulge out a little
at the fold, giving a Japanese lantern effect. Suspend by a thread tied
to the upper edge or paste a narrow strip of paper on for a handle. Use
as decoration for Christmas tree.
=Paper Chains= (See pages 56 and 115)
=Reading=
Read a part or the whole of Dickens' "Christmas Carol," "The Chimes," or
"The Cricket on the Hearth;" or "Is There a Santa Claus," by Jacob Riis;
or "The Birds' Christmas Carol," by Kate Douglas Wiggin. Longfellow's
"Arsenal at Springfield" and "A Christmas Hymn," by A. Domett, are also
appropriate.