Walk to Italy – Waterford
First stop Waterford!
Waterford is Irelands oldest city situated on the southeast coast. It was founded by Vikings in 914 A.D and parts of it’s ancient walled core remain today. Waterford is best known for manufacturing glass with Waterford Crystal first being produced in 1783. If you plan on staying a night or two, you can rest your weary head at Waterford Castle Hotel & Resort. The luxury hotel attracts guests from far and wide with it’s distinctive combination of historical and modern features.
Why have we stopped in Waterford you ask? Well, Maria Montessori made a very special visit in 1927 to Newtown School located here. She took great interest in the artistic productions of the children aged 9-12, declaring them unique. Maria’s visit promoted the Montessori philosophy which would shape Ireland’s education system.
Montessori Fun Fact: Maria Montessori has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize (1949, 1950, 1951).
Activity: Cereal Box Viking Helmet
Materials
- Empty cereal box
- Grey duct tape
- White duct tape
- Scissors
- Pencil
Step 1 – Create Helmet’s Lower Rim
Open your cereal box and cut out one side of the box. Then, cut the piece in two for the rim. Measure to the size you need for your child’s head. Lay the box flat and cover one side with grey duct tape. Once the rim is covered, fold it over and add a little more tape to the end to keep it in place.
Step 2 – Create Helmet’s Upper Rim
Use one side of the cereal box and cut off the flaps. Cover in grey duct tape for a silver metallic finish. Fold over and tape one end down to the inside of the helmet. Repeat the process on the other side.
Step 3 – Add Your Horns
Using the other side of the cereal box, draw a horn shape and cut it out. You can use the cut-out horn as a template for the second using the remaining cardboard. Cover each horn in white duct tape and create a small fold on the bottom of each. Place the fold of each horn onto each side of the helmet and secure with grey duct tape.
Step 4 – Add Large Studs to Helmet
Using any remaining cardboard or paper if not, carefully cut out some circles and cover with more grey duct tape and tape into place all over the helmet.
Now you’re a Waterford Viking!