Crafts For Kids: Sandpaper Cinnamon Shapes
Nothing says the holidays like the pungent smell of cinnamon
. This craft is a great way to usher in fall and uses just a few materials to make a gorgeous ornament that a parent will cherish for many years to come.Age Group: 3 to 6 year old will need extra help, and older children will need general supervision.
Time: One hour or less
Materials needed
1. Allow each child a sheet of sandpaper, which comes in many different grits. The grit describes how coarse or smooth the sandpaper is. The lower the number the coarser the grit, and for this project lower numbered grits work best. However, you can do this project with whatever grit you have available.
2. Allow each child a cinnamon stick. You do not need food grade cinnamon sticks which are expensive. You can find inexpensive and fragrant cinnamon sticks at the craft store, and they will do the job perfectly.
3. Sturdy scissors will be used for cutting the sandpaper. Heavy-duty scissors or tin snips work best for this project, but a pair of craft scissors will work with a little patience.
4. A pencil will be used to draw the shapes to cut out.
5. A hole-punch will be used to punch a hole in the top of the shape for hanging.
5. Ribbon will be threaded through the hold to be used for hanging.
6. A permanent market will be used to write the child's name on the shape.
Preparation
1. Before beginning cover all work surfaces with a cloth or newspaper.
2. Have some shapes already cut out for the smaller children who cannot handle scissors.
Process
1. Give each child a piece of sandpaper and a cinnamon stick and a pencil to draw their design.
2. Have each child draw a shape on the backside of the sandpaper.
3. Have children cut out their shapes, and distribute pre-cut shapes to smaller children.
4. Show the children how to rub the cinnamon stick across the rough sandpaper.
5. Have them rub the cinnamon stick on the entire surface of their cut out shape.
6. Pass the hole-punch around for the children to use to punch a hole in the top of their shape.
7. Pass out pre-cut lengths of ribbon to loop through the hole.
8. Write the child's name of the smooth side of the shape with a permanent marker.
Variations
1. Incorporate leaf shapes into an autumn door wreath.
2. Create spooky Halloween shapes to decorate the classroom door.
3. Create Christmas shapes like a showman, wreath, bell or ornament, and make Christmas ornaments.
Make it a Learning Experience
1. Have the children describe what happened when they rubbed their cinnamon stick on the sandpaper shape. Look at the bits of cinnamon on the table coverings. Do they look like cinnamon from the grocery store, or not?
2. For older children learn about where cinnamon comes from; what plant produces it; what countries it grows in; and how important it was in the spice trade.
3. Discuss why sandpaper sharpens your scissors when you cut sandpaper.
4. Cut sandpaper shapes and use them to teach children their shapes. Make flashcards by gluing shapes to cards. Children are fascinated by the tactile difference of the shape and the card. This idea also works well for visually impaired children.
Clean Up
1. Clean up is minimal. Simply fold cloth or newspaper from edges towards the middle, and sweep up any bits of cinnamon on the floor.
2. The scent of cinnamon will linger in the air for a while, enjoy the smells of autumn!
by: Jessica Ackerman Will I Conceive A Boy Or Girl? What Determines This? Dyspraxia In Children Organizing a Children's Party for Your Kids Throw a sweet 16 party for your big teenage girl The Speed at Which Children Develop The Professional Most Excellent Recommendations When Understanding And Playing Quite A Few Children' Best Nordic Naturals Children's DHA Review Systematic Investment Planning - Make Your Child Crore Pati Watch 2010 Teen Choice Awards Online Teenager Make Money Online – Learn How They do it How Children Can Benefit From Hypnosis How To Move With Children Is Your Child At Risk For Having A Weight Issue?