an activity for all school-age:
This is a great math activity to celebrate the Christmas/holiday season.
before you begin:
Gather all the necessary supplies, including: green and yellow construction paper, rulers, tape, glue, scissors, glitter, sequins, beads, pom-poms and other decorating items.
activity goals:
To help children practice fractions and measurement
To create a beautiful centerpiece to display for the holiday season
furthermore:
You can top off your tree by creating a star out of yellow construction paper or by using a large, yellow pom-pom. This is an easy project to take apart and reassemble over and over for years to come.
This is a great math activity to celebrate the Christmas/holiday season.
before you begin:
Gather all the necessary supplies, including: green and yellow construction paper, rulers, tape, glue, scissors, glitter, sequins, beads, pom-poms and other decorating items.
activity goals:
To help children practice fractions and measurement
To create a beautiful centerpiece to display for the holiday season
furthermore:
You can top off your tree by creating a star out of yellow construction paper or by using a large, yellow pom-pom. This is an easy project to take apart and reassemble over and over for years to come.
let's get started
step 1
Have children measure 1" increments lengthwise (and draw lines) on 2-3 sheets of green construction paper. Have them cut along the lines, creating 1" wide strips.
Have children measure 1" increments lengthwise (and draw lines) on 2-3 sheets of green construction paper. Have them cut along the lines, creating 1" wide strips.
step 2
Have children measure and cut the 1" strips into the following seven lengths: 20", 17-1/2", 15", 12-1/2", 10", 7-1/2" and 5". (For longer lengths, you may need to tape 2 strips together at the ends before measuring.)
Have children measure and cut the 1" strips into the following seven lengths: 20", 17-1/2", 15", 12-1/2", 10", 7-1/2" and 5". (For longer lengths, you may need to tape 2 strips together at the ends before measuring.)
step 3
Demonstrate how to fan-fold (like an accordion) the 20" strip in 2" wide sections. Have the children fan-fold the rest of the strips in varying increments. Fold 17-1/2" strip into 1-3/4" increments, 15" into 1-1/2" increments, 12-1/2" strip into 1-1/4" increments, 10" strip folded into 1" increments, 7-1/2" strip folded into 3/4" increments and 5" strip folded into 1/2" increments.
Demonstrate how to fan-fold (like an accordion) the 20" strip in 2" wide sections. Have the children fan-fold the rest of the strips in varying increments. Fold 17-1/2" strip into 1-3/4" increments, 15" into 1-1/2" increments, 12-1/2" strip into 1-1/4" increments, 10" strip folded into 1" increments, 7-1/2" strip folded into 3/4" increments and 5" strip folded into 1/2" increments.
step 4
Let children decorate their strips on one side with the glitter, beads and other items and let dry.
Let children decorate their strips on one side with the glitter, beads and other items and let dry.
step 5
Have them refold each strip and tape the ends together. This will create beautiful star shapes.
Have them refold each strip and tape the ends together. This will create beautiful star shapes.
step 6
Starting with the largest star, stack them on top of one another, turning each one just slightly so they will balance on the one below. below.
Starting with the largest star, stack them on top of one another, turning each one just slightly so they will balance on the one below. below.
step 7
Now you have a decorated Christmas tree to display in the classroom and/or use as a centerpiece for the holiday season!
Now you have a decorated Christmas tree to display in the classroom and/or use as a centerpiece for the holiday season!