I’m so excited to introduce my friends, Julia and Megan, from KidArtLit. They have an incredible subscription box company that delivers storytime and art kits every month to families like us. I have had the great pleasure of receiving one of their boxes and was totally blown away by how great it is. It included beautiful, easy to implement process art activities, plus a gorgeous book to go along with them. Here’s a peek into one of their subscription boxes.
Julia and Megan were nice enough to create a project for us this month. We jumped right in and made Gratitude Jars with them. This project is super simple for any age and a really sweet way to celebrate gratitude.
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We’re so grateful to be here. We’re Julia & Megan, the creators of KidArtLit. We believe books and art are better together and that curating a home with beautiful books and open-ended art experiences helps us raise creative and curious children.
This season cultivate a culture of gratitude in your home and read one of our favorite books, Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson’s thoughtful 2016 Caldecott and Newbery Honor Book, Last Stop on Market Street. Then, create a Receiving Jar to explore the actions of giving and receiving and start the beautiful tradition of counting your everyday blessings.
Last Stop on Market Street reminds us to be thankful for the small things and that giving and receiving are one action. Accepting simple gifts teaches us to appreciate and value what surrounds us. Enjoy this delightful read, and then create a container to fill with the beauty, joy, and generosity you receive in your everyday experiences. Empty your receiving jar to practice gratitude for life’s many gifts, or save the sentiments to read for your Thanksgiving feast.
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty–and fun–in their routine and the world around them.- G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
You’ll Need…
Supplies
1 Tbsp water
½ Cup white glue
Paintbrush or small sponge
Paper collage materials—tissue paper, books, magazines, wrapping paper, etc.
Yarn
Sheets of paper, cut into 2” x4” cards
Pens or markers
Optional—glitter to mix into the glue and water mixture
Steps
Wash and dry the jar.
Mix the water and glue in small bowl. (Add glitter for an extra special glaze, if you wish.)
Paint the jar with the glue mixture.
Stick the collage materials onto the jar. Go over the paper with the glue mixture a second time to completely adhere the collage materials to the jar. Allow to dry completely.
Cut up strips of blank writing paper and set them beside the jar to record the beautiful, joyful, and good things that happened throughout the day. This could include, “receiving a gift from a friend,” or “saw a rainbow today.”
Place the gratitude sentiments in the jar and read them all at the end of each day or week. Or save them to read for your Thanksgiving feast.
Tips: Not a glitter fan? Use glitter glue to give your jar a sparkly finish. Wear a smock or clothes that can get messy before applying the glitter.
Extension: Heart of the Matter Jar Tag
Add a little extra flair to your jar with a special tag and braided decoration.
- Cut a heart shape from a piece of drawing or construction paper.
- Use watercolors or markers to color the heart.
- Use a permanent marker to write your child’s name or the word “gratitude,” or “Receiving Jar” on the tag. Older children can do this step themselves. Hole punch a hole into the tag and set aside.
- Braid several pieces of yarn together. Thread on the heart tag toward the end of the braid, and tie a knot. Wrap the braided rope around the mouth of the jar and tie the rope together to secure it in place.
Like this project? To check out more Kid Art Lit activities and subscription boxes, click here.
