Toddlers and preschoolers alike will delight in this fun Christmas craft. There is just something about tissue paper that excites children of all ages.
My kids particularly love the bright, vibrant colors and the texture of squishing it between their fingers, which also happens to be an excellent use of fine motor skills!
I love that the beautiful versatility and color of the tissue paper makes even the most simple projects look fabulous. Not to mention, the supply list is short and simple. Giving you all the more reason to complete this activity right away.
At this age, your children learn through play. Research shows that play-based learning can set the tone of success for children throughout their lives, and actually improve their success in school.
This Christmas activity works on a few skills necessary for developmental progress in the toddler and preschool years.
What You Will Need:
To complete this activity all you will need is these simple materials:
- Paper plates
- Scissors
- Red and green tissue paper
- Glue stick
If you have a very young toddler, get the supplies ready beforehand. You can do this by cutting small squares of tissue paper out and cutting out the middle of the paper plates.
What You Will Do:
Once all the supplies are ready, it’s time to get down to business!
- For older toddlers and preschoolers, they can begin by tearing the tissue paper into small pieces. For younger ones, you may want to already have the tissue paper cut into small pieces for them or rip it for them.
- Have your child begin crumpling the tissue between their fingers. Make sure to get it into small balls and use the tips of their fingers as they crumble.
- Then, they will glue the pieces onto the plate one by one. Instruct them to the location where they should put their glue and show them how to stick the tissue paper onto it.
Fine Motor Skills
By crumpling the tissue paper, rolling on the glue, and placing the pieces on, your child is working several muscles in their hands. This is an excellent way to build fine motor skills that your child will need as they learn to color and write!
Language Skills
As your children are working, take the time to discuss what is happening.
How does the tissue paper feel between their fingers? What colors are they using?
Taking the time to converse with your children during this activity will develop their language skills and increase their vocabulary.
Math Skills
If your children seem interested, you can also take this time to discuss patterns, numbers, and colors as your children create!
“What happens if you put on one green, then one red, then one green again? This makes a pattern!”
“How many green pieces do you have? How many red?”
By incorporating these simple questions into your creative time you are introducing your children to important math skills that they will continue to build upon as they grow.
Once your children are finished with their wreaths and they have had time to dry you can use the completed projects to decorate your tree, wall, doors, or even door knobs!
Your children will delight in having their artwork visible for all to see. Plus, it is also the perfect way to add a little Christmas cheer.
This super simple Christmas activity is the perfect way to work your children’s fine motor, language, and math skills all while having fun.
Have you tried this activity with your children? Tell me how it went!
