Harvest Wreath

People around the world give thanks for their food. Celebrate a harvest of pineapples, pumpkins, or pomegranates-and show a culture's traditions with this festive wreath!

• 1.

  Find out about harvest stories and traditions in your country. Or find out about harvest celebrations elsewhere. When did these festivals begin? How are they celebrated? Who takes part in them?

• 2.

  Depending on the climate and soil, different fruits and vegetables are celebrated. The dates for harvest festivals vary too. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October, while the United States observes Thanksgiving in November. When do other countries hold similar events? What about those in the Southern Hemisphere?

• 3.

  Choose one country. Find out what fruits and vegetables grow there. Create your wreath as a symbol of the harvest in that country.

• 4.

  With Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils, draw a large ring on cardboard or posterboard. This will be the base of your wreath. Cut it out with Crayola Scissors.

• 5.

  Cover your art area with newspaper. Using Crayola Watercolor Paints and Brushes, paint several coffee filters in fall leaf colors. On watercolor paper, draw and color harvest fruits and vegetables that are grown in the country you chose. Air dry.

• 6.

  Outline a leaf on each colored filter. Cut out leaves. With a Crayola Glue Stick, attach the leaves on the cardboard ring.

• 7.

  Cut out fruits and vegetables. Glue them onto ring to complete the wreath.

Benefits

• Students research the history and traditions of harvest festivals in their own or another cultural or religious background.
• Students grasp the importance of the agricultural harvest for all societies.
• Students select one country and create a harvest wreath with drawings of suitable fruits and vegetables.

Adaptations

• Create a seasonal wreath at any time of the year using the same process. For winter, you might use holly leaves and berries. For spring or summer, try green leaves and flowers.
• Research the meaning of a cornucopia. Draw and color harvest fruits and vegetables. Place them inside a horn of plenty.
• What other events are traditionally celebrated by various cultures? What are some similarities and differences in these observances?