How to Make a Pinwheel in Pre K

Create your own pinwheel from paper.

Pinwheels are simple toys that mesmerise and delight young children. Although you can purchase a pinwheel easily enough, making your own adds to the appeal of the toy. Creating this craft with preschool-aged children gives them a sense of accomplishment, and the finished product can be used to teach kids about the wind. With a few simple materials such as paper and a straw, you and your children can easily make pinwheels.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Ruler
• Pushpin
• Straw
• Eraser

Instructions

1. Select a piece of decorative paper for your pinwheel. Scrapbook paper, which can be purchased from a craft supply store, is ideal. It comes in several different colors and patterns and is lightweight, which makes it easier to blow.

2. Cut the paper into an 8 inch-by-8 inch square.

3. Draw a diagonal line from the top right corner to the bottom left corner and a diagonal line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. The lines will intersect in the middle, creating the look of an "X." Use a ruler as a guide to create straight lines.

4. Cut along each of the lines, stopping at about 1 inch from the center of the "X."

5. Pull every other corner of the paper to the center of the "X." Be careful not to crease the paper, as this can affect its ability to blow in the wind.

6. Insert a pushpin through the center of the "X" to secure all of the pulled-in corners together.

7. Push the pin through the top of a straw. Push an eraser through the pin on the back side of the paper to hold everything together.

Tips & Warnings

• To create your own images on the pinwheel, use a piece of white, lightweight paper and decorate it with crayons or markers.

• Guide children while making this craft. Draw the "X" on the paper to ensure it is straight.

• Use safety scissors for cutting.

• An adult should insert the pushpins.

References

• Woman's Day: Craft Project: How to Make a Pinwheel