On Mondays, I work as a literacy enrichment instructor for a local private school. This provides a purpose (and a small stipend) that helps keep me part of the happy retiree camp. I’ve had an absolute ball choosing stories to share and selecting the accompanying maker activities each week. Unlike my school librarian days where I had a budget (school and personal) to buy whatever I needed wanted, that is definitely not the case now. The school and I are both on a super tight budget this time around.
How do I handle it? Most of the books I read are borrowed from the public library, which means I have to plan ahead if I’m reading a holiday story. Craft activities are kept simple and re-engineered to use supplies already on hand. Yes, I do still buy some books and supplies (the new Pigeon book, green cupcake liners, small pompoms and red/white pony beads), but it generally averages out each month to what I’d spend on lunch with a friend. Books are added to Sadie’s READ library and leftover craft supplies are utilized in future projects. Any supplies left once enrichment classes end will be donated. It shouldn’t be much.
Here’s what we’re doing for for Christmas:
Week 1
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff (Reindeer paper bag puppet activity)
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Millems
The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas by Laura Murray (Gingerbread boy/girl ornament activity)
Week 2
Cobweb Christmas by Shirley Climo (Christmas trees made from cupcake liners)
Charlie and the Christmas Kitty by Ree Drummond
Week 3
Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Wilbur (Candy canes made from pony beads)
Crystal wreath kits and/or popsicle stick Christmas trees
One book I really wanted was the Legend of the Christmas Poinsettia, but it was unavailable. I’ll keep checking back and will slide it in on Week 3, if a copy becomes available.
Come Stitch With Me 