During this time of year recess in Michigan can be cold and even freezing. To warm things up a bit I sometimes serve students hot chocolate or tea when they come inside. A simple craft I like to do either myself or with them is to make place mats for the mugs and spoons that they keep at their desks. Last year I made snowmen and this year I made mittens.

Cute Snowmen Gifts

Felt is perfect fabric for this craft because it is inexpensive and easy to work with. I usually pick up scraps at a second hand or craft store. I then draw a pattern on a cereal box, cut it out and allow the students to trace it onto pieces of felt.

Cute Felt Mitten Gifts

The colorful place mats brighten up the classroom and have a way of warming students’ hearts. They could also make great gifts.