Craft a place for dad

With Father's Day just around the corner, help young kids get started on a one-of-a-kind "Dad's Favorite Things" place mat created just for him.

While dad is not around, get the kids talking about his favorite sports, leisure activities, music, foods, pets, clothes, etc. You might get them started by asking them to say aloud what immediately comes to mind when they think of what dad really likes. It's always fun to get their perspectives.

Jot down their spontaneous comments and perceptions as reminders of things to look for when they search through magazines, cutting out images for the place mat.

Then, gather craft supplies and a sheet of sturdy cardboard. We used one side of a large warehouse two-pack-style cereal box for a nice, large 10-inch-by-13-inch place mat, which provided ample room for all of the cutouts.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 large, empty cereal box

• Colorful adhesive-backed paper or nontoxic poster paints and brush

• Markers (optional)

• Favorite stickers and images cut out from magazines

• White household glue or glue stick

• Clear adhesive-backed paper (optional)

Preparation:

Have an adult cut out a rectangular place-mat shape from the cereal box.

Flip it to work on the nonprinted surface of the box. Cut out alphabet letters to spell "Dad's Favorite Things" and glue them in place. Or use a marker to write the words.

Decorating:

Peel the backing off a piece of colored adhesive-backed paper cut to the size of the place mat and affix it to the cardboard, or paint the place-mat surface in one or more colors and let dry.

Look through magazines together, and search for pictures of dad's favorite things. Cut out these images close to their edges for a "pop art"-style look. Arrange and glue onto the place mat. Stickers are fun to add, too.

Finishing:

If you wish, cover the entire place mat with clear adhesive-backed paper, and it's ready to add to a Father's Day table setting.

Donna Erickson's award-winning series "Donna's Day" is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit donnasday.com and link to the new Donna's Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families." (c) 2016 Donna Erickson. Distributed by King Features Synd.