Location: indoor or outdoor

Materials: paper plates, glue, popsicle sticks, paper, feathers, markers, etc.

Here's one example: Making Masks

Maybe your kids have been showing interest in animals recently and have been pretending to be zoo animals in the dramatic play area. Invite them to make a mask they can incorporate into their play.

Let each child lead the process for themselves. They want to make a lion mask? Ask them to tell you what a lion mask might look like. You might even pull up images of real lions for inspiration. What distinguishing features does a lion have? What materials should they use to create those features? What can they do on their own and what do they need your help with?

As adults, we probably have a much narrower understanding of what a mask should look like to represent a specific animal. Young children's imaginations are so incredibly vibrant--maybe their lion has a purple mane and four ears. It's beside the point if their animal is realistic unless the child wants it to be realistic.

Using paper plates, scissors, glue, and whatever else your kids decide: cut, glue, and assemble the masks they most want. When they're dry, encourage them to bring them out to play.

If these directions feel incredibly loose and flexible that's by design. Process is all about enjoying the journey and being open to where it will take you. It's an added bonus if at the end it's something your kids can play with or present as a gift to a parent.