In order to bear good fruit we must stay connected to Christ no matter where we go or what we do. I also tied in the idea of each one of us being loved and treasured by God by adding the names to the vine.

[tweetthis]Create an I AM the Vine Activity for kids with this bulletin board idea.[/tweetthis]

I Am the Vine Activity for Kids

To create the vine all you need is:

• brown roll of paper- I used mailing/shipping paper
• used grape leaves & grapes (fake of course)
• stapler for bulletin board or safe/removable tape for a wall

To create the vine and branches start at the middle bottom and gently twist the paper. Make the base of the vine wide and as each branch branches off it gets more narrow. Eventually, each branch ends at a point. I tore the paper into different sizes as needed and used a more flat and wide paper at the bottom. Then add grapes and leaves about by stapling them on the branches.

To create the name tags you need some cardboard cut into small name plates, foam letters, and string. I had the children add the foam letters to the name tags for their names. In order to keep it visually pleasing, I limited the colors to green, purple, and white. They then added a neutral string to the name tag that we used to hang it from the vine with tacks. You could also staple them.

Through all this we discussed what it means to be connected to the vine and what we do to stay connected. We also discussed how that because we are all connected to Jesus, the Vine, that we are all connected also to one another.

You can read the vine scripture passage in John Chapter 15.

 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:5

Have an idea like this to share for celebrating Lent? Leave a comment or link with the Walk with the Saints Lent Link Up!

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For Valentine’s Day this year I am revisiting an old Sewn Paper Heart Envelope project. They are easy to prepare and the kids have a great time “sewing” their envelopes. It’s a really good hand- eye coordination exercise as well.

If you are looking for a sewn heart project for older children please read Torn and Sewn Paper Hearts over on Hip Homeschool Moms. 

Materials needed to make Sewn Heart Envelopes for Preschoolers:

• 2  pieces of festive, patterned card stock or construction paper
• yarn
• plastic training needles- 2 inch round
• craft scissors ( optional )

Step by Step Preparations for your class:

1. Cut two large hearts out of paper of your choice. You can use regular or craft scissors.

2. Facing the right sides out, punch holes around the bottom and sides of the hearts. Punching no holes on top leaves an opening on top.

3. Attach a string to one end of a long piece of yarn; then the other end to the top first hole of one side of the two hearts. This will join them together and have them prepared for your child to begin stitching. It’s a simple and easy thing to have prepared to keep little ones engaged while homeschooling your other children. And it’s been a fun and enjoyable activity for the preschoolers at our co-op. Afterward we are using them to collect hidden valentines and treats in our classroom.  Then the kids can take them home in celebration of Valentine’s day.

What is your favorite easy craft to keep your children busy?

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~Enter at the end of this post~

Something Delicious: Italian Knot Cookie Recipe

These are a family favorite! Stop over and try this wonderful recipe and add something new to your Christmas goodie repertoire.

Something Advent:  Jesse Tree Ornaments & Resources (week 1)

The Advent season is upon us! Celebrating Advent with the Jesse Tree has always been a big favorite for our family and I have always enjoyed teaching both my own children and religious education students about salvation history this way.

You will find that the series I put together last year on the Jesse Tree is a great resource. You can start today with an ornament, daily reflection, and several ideas to choose from for each day of Advent.

Advent Week 2
Advent Week 3
Advent Week 4

 And now the Stocking Stuffer from iHomeschool Network- Christmas Giveaway $400 Cash Prize (pay pal)

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