Activities That Teach - #2 Simple Paper Snowflakes

by Kristyn Crow | More from this Blogger

I think most of us have made paper snowflakes in our childhoods. This is a simple version which can be used to help improve fine motor skills and grasping strength, not to mention encouraging creativity.

Prerequisite Skills - Your child can already:

1. Use thumb in opposition with fingers. 2. Grasp objects. 3. Open and close scissors. 4. Snip and make cuts in paper.

Materials Needed: 1. Paper squares (a regular sheet of paper should be trimmed to make a square). 2. Scissors 3. Paste, glue, or string

Method:

1. Fold paper this way: In half, in half again. If desired, trim the non-folded edge to make it slightly rounded.

2. Cut wedges into paper and around edges.

3. Remove cut pieces.

4. Open the folded paper to see a snowflake.

Vocabulary:

Fold, cut, pull, triangle, square, pieces, same, different, unfold, open.

Variations:

1. Spatter Paint: Tape the snowflake against a sheet of butcher paper. Load a small paintbrush with some paint and flick paint onto the snowflake.

2. Glue colored tissue paper or cellophane to the back of the snowflake to make a "stained glass" pattern.

3. Hang the snowflakes with string, or glue down on brightly colored construction paper to show shapes and contrast.

Click on this link to go to a SUPER fun website where you can make amazing snowflakes, click here. (It's addicting.)

Learn more about Kristyn Crow

Kristyn Crow is the mother of seven children, and the author of three children's books. Visit her website at www.kristyncrow.com.

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