To personalize the Chicka Chicka coconut tree, have the children trace their own hands on a green piece of construction paper and cut them out. When placed upside down and glued to the top of a long brown coconut trunk, which they can draw with crayon on a large sheet of paper, they become the hanging branches. Have them glue several dry beans, representing coconuts, to the branches. Write the letters of the children's names on separate squares of colored paper and have each child spell out their name in order, climbing up or down the tree. Secure the letters with glue and hang on the wall for all to enjoy.
On separate sheets of paper, print out the individual letters that make up your child's name, using the largest font possible on your computer. Cut the letters from the paper as neatly as you can, including any hollow spaces on the inside. Glue each letter to a colorful piece of construction paper. Ask and assist your child in locating objects that begin with each letter you are to decorate. Have them glue the appropriate objects to each letter. For example, the letter "S" can have sand, sequins or stars; "A" can have apple seeds, and "M" can have M&M's candies.
Take several small, empty plastic water bottles and remove any wrappers or labels. Gather together alphabet pasta and cereal, beads, beans and whatever objects you may have that will fit inside the bottle and make noise when shaken. Have the children say the name of each letter the object represents or spells as they drop it in. Put the cap back on the bottle and watch their delight as they shake it along to pages of the book. Decorate the outside of the bottle with alphabet stickers and glue to the top some fringe-cut palm tree leaves out of green felt or construction paper. This is an interactive art project they can carry around with them, shake and show people wherever they go.
Take a trip to your local craft store and purchase some alphabet beads and necklace or bracelet cords, which are all relatively inexpensive. Assist your child in spelling out and stringing the individual letters of their name, adding colorful beads in between each letter. Because the beads will usually come in large packages, there will be enough remaining letters for them to create jewelry for their friends or family members. A necklace with the teacher's name would be an ideal Christmas gift for your child to present.