Everything's coming up...roses???

So, today I was super-excited to be inspired by another crafty mama's blog (Montessori Mama) to create a new, very fun activity to engage Faith. Faith and I used pom poms, pipe cleaners, and felt shapes to make these Seussical flowers:

Here is a photo of the variety of colors and shapes I cut out for Faith to use. The shapes were cut out with regular scissors and pinking shears, and included circles/ovals, squares, star-ish shapes, and triangles too! This definitely made for some unique flowers. :) I decided such beautiful flowers needed lush green leaves as well.

This wooden tray from Goodwill worked out well for holding all the pieces. Yay!

I have left the tray out so she can make more flowers in the coming days as she sees fit. I also gave her two (cheap) glass vases in which to arrange her felt flowers, which was a big hit. Flower arranging is a Montessori activity that teaches the concept of caring for the environment. This is a great independent activity for young children. I will certainly have to remember it when I am teaching in a Montessori classroom again someday!

Aren't they fun and funky and colorful?!? Maybe these beauties will help me wait for the real spring flowers to arrive...

What independent craft activities for young children would you like to share? Come on people, I need more ideas to keep this little one busy!!!