Multicultural Winter Inuit Craft and Winter Song

Here are some ideas to help introduce your children to the Inuit and their culture

Craft items you will need:

 

• Paper plate
• Light blue paint
• Cotton balls
• Glue
• Black & red markers
• Black crayon

Craft instructions:
Have the children paint the rim of the paper plate blue.
Let dry.
Next, have the children glue cotton balls all around the rim of the paper plate.
Let dry.
Then, using a black and red marker, have the draw a face in the middle of the paper plate.
Lastly, have the children add black hair all around the face.

 As a variation, you could use googly eyes,  yarn for hair etc.....

Books

Mama, Do You Love Me? written by Barbara M. Joosse is a lovely story to read to children about a parent’s love and the Arctic. 

 "Mama, do you love me? Yes I do Dear One. How much? In this universal story, a child tests the limits of independence and comfortingly learns that a parent's love is unconditional and everlasting. The story is made all the more captivating by its unusual Arctic setting. The lyrical text introduces young readers to a distinctively different culture, while at the same time showing that the special love that exists between parent and child transcends all boundaries of time and place. The story is beautifully complemented by graphically stunning illustrations that are filled with such exciting animals as whales, wolves, puffins, and sled dogs, and a carefully researched glossary provides additional information on Arctic life. "  From Amazon.com

Winter Song and Lyric

The Winter Song for kids is a fun way for children to learn about winter and the winter season.






Lyrics

Blankets of snow

Christmas lights a glow

The sleigh bells ring

And away we go

The cold wind blows

We’re dressed from

Head to toes

In a hat,

Boots, mittens

And a comfy coat

Winter is the coldest

Time of year

‘Tis the season,

It’s the reason

Snow and ice appear

The trees are bare

Snow’s everywhere

Can you see

Your breath

In the frosty air?

With shorter days

And longer nights

We’ll see the magic

In the stars tonight

Nature is quieter

And animals will rest

Some sleep late,

Or hibernate,

That’s what they

Do the best

We’ll ski and skate

And play ‘til late

We’ll build a snowman

And celebrate

We’ll slip and slide

Toboggan ride

It’s so much fun

At winter time

This winter wonderland

Is mine!

Written by Wendy Wiseman

 

There are many other crafts, stories and activities that can be tied into this theme. 

You can look at igloos, the Artic (weather, animals etc...), winter and snowflakes, Inuit traditions, winter, snowflakes, ice, etc.....  The options are unlimited!

Here are just a few more examples:

 

A great (and yummy) fine motor activity using some glue and marshamallows.

Supplies:

-marshmallows small for the igloo and large for the front door...you'll want extras as some are guaranteed to "mysteriously disappear"

-Styrofoam cup (or bowl) to use as the mold for the igloo

-paper plate or something similar for the base

-white glue or hardening icing

1. Glue the cup to the plate.

2. Starting at the base of the cup, glue the small marshmallows all around the cup.  Depending on the age of the children, it may be easier to either put glue onto the cup or else put the glue into a container and let the kids dip the marshmallows into it.

3. Glue the large marshmallow to the front if the igloo for an entrance

You may want to do this in a few different seatings depending on children's attention span.  It would also allow the layers to dry in between

 

Craft and Music Hand Drum and Beater Drums have always been an important part of Inuit culture. Drums are played during ceremonies and accompany singing and dancing. The beat of the drum symbolizes the beating of the heart for the Inuit. Materials two balloons a round plastic container two elastic bands art supplies to decorate the drum (optional) piece of material for stuffing stick or tree branch measuring about ½ inch in diameter, and 12 inches long string or wool (optional) Instructions Source   Source Materials needed for hand drum and beater   Step 1. Cut the bottom off a round balloon (before it's blown up). Source   Source Step 2. Stretch the balloon over the plastic container. Secure the balloon with a rubber band.   Step 3. Decorate your hand drum if you wish. Source   Source Step 4. Cut the bottom off another round balloon. Stuff scraps of fabric into the end of the balloon to make a small ball.   Step 5. Poke the stick into the stuffed balloon. Gather the opening of the balloon around the stick and fasten with a rubber band. If you like, you can cover the rubber band with string or wool. Source   Now you can play your drum. See how many different rhythms you can make.