Appropriate age group(s):
Preschool and Younger

Estimated time to make this decoration:
30 minutes + drying time

Materials:
Plain potholder
Acrylic, or any fabric paint that you can use to paint child's hand
Any fabric paint you can squeeze to write with

Instructions:
If possible, let child choose his/her own color to paint their
hand. Talk about colors, how it feels, is it hard and scratchy, or soft and tickley. Use as much language as you can. Talk about holding their hand still, and not wiggling. Press their hand on the potholder, have a piece of paper ready so that he/she can experience more freedom of creativity. Be ready to wash hands, this type of paint is permanent. After it has dried completeley, outline handprint with complimentery color, and write child's name and the year.

Other comments or suggestions to consider:
With little ones it's the process, not the product. Have some washable fingerpaints ready so they can paint their own hands, and maybe you'll even try it.
Have fun...