Stacking Star Tree
15 Minutes: 4 and up: Holiday
Stacking Star Tree
An Activity for School-Age Children:
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.
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.)
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.
STEP 4
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.
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.
STEP 7
Now you have a decorated Christmas tree to display in the classroom and/or use as a centerpiece for the holiday season!
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