As I sit down to write this post, we are in the midst of a week of stormy, wet weather. I think that is why Cherry Blossoms are so beloved. They are a gentle break from grey and drab each spring. The trees wrapped in pink and white blooms are a timely reminder that beauty is still here, just waiting to unfurl before us as our seasons change.
In Japan, they call cherry blossom viewing Hanami. I like to call it that as well since the first time we ever saw cherry blossoms (or Sakura) was at my Japanese host sister’s wedding in Yamagata, Japan. We definitely enjoyed viewing, and even drinking tea made from, the blossoms. I am adding some of our favorite Sakura photos from that trip here.
Our craft today is a Handprint Cherry Blossom Tree. I love to use unconventional things for painting, so this tree has cotton swab painted blossoms. You could also use fingerprint to add the blooms. As you craft, you can talk all about CHerry blossoms as well as CHoosing your paper color and CHanging your paint colors. As you wait for your creations to dry, you can play the Cherry Blossom game I link to later in this post to practice even more initial CH sounds. I suggest you look up places near you that have cherry trees and make an afternoon of Cherry Blossom viewing. I am sure you will not regret it.
Supply List
- Blue card stock pack
- Brown card stock pack
- Pink paint and white paint
- Cotton swabs
- Paint apron and table covering
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue
Step-by-Step Directions
The first step for this craft is to trace your hand on the brown paper. I like to have my fingers spread a little – you can put as much space as you want between your fingers.
The next step is to cut out the handprint and then glue it to your blue background paper. This is also a great time to get your 3 shades of paint ready – pink, light pink, and white.
Now is the best part – you get to paint with cotton swabs! I have done pretty tight blossoms on this project, so I decided to try looser blooms today.
I learned last week that I can put the kitten in the garage to eliminate her helping with my photography. Unfortunately, someone let her back in before I was done. So, she had a few glamour shots. Thankfully this was before I had paint that she could step in…
As I have said each week, my goal with this blog is to make sure that people leave each of my posts feeling equipped to practice articulation or phonics with their learner. So, I always have a game from my Teachers Pay Teachers store (Autumn Emigh Creative Communication Solutions) on special sale for you. This week, it is a game called “Cherry Blossom Jump” The product includes instructions with a link to a digital Google Slides game. You also receive printable game boards in color and black and white. The digital, black & white, and color versions of the game contain the same 12 initial CH words for your learner to practice. Get it until May 3rd for half price – just $1.00!
Just click on the photo above or HERE to get your copy today! And be sure to fill out the form below to get on my email list. Not only are my email subscribers the first to know when each of my blog posts goes live, they also get information about products, events, and summits each week. I’ll always do my best to make it worthwhile for you to stick around, but it is super easy to unsubscribe if you ever wish to. 🙂
Thanks friends! I hope you have an amazing Easter filled with family and fun and food this weekend. I can’t wait to catch up with you next week with an amazing Ant craft and Game to target the short A sound.
This post contains affiliate links.
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