How to Make Christopher Columbus Paper Hats

Repurpose the morning paper into a Columbus Day activity for kids by folding hats.

Christopher Columbus hats, or sailor hats, are simple creations folded from a sheet of newspaper. If you are a teacher looking for Columbus Day activities for your students, a single newspaper will provide all the paper you need to make hats for each student in the class. The craft requires the use of a stapler, so an adult will need to assist with each hat.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Stapler
• Markers (optional)

Instructions

1. Fold a single sheet of newspaper in half, along the crease.

2. Fold down the top left and the top right corners until they touch each other in the center.

3. Take the bottom edges and separate them in your hands. Fold each of the two sheets up and out in 1-inch increments until each overlaps with the folded corners. The action will be like a flattened version of rolling.

4. Place the opening in the bottom of the hat over the head to the desired level. Staple the sides into place to secure.

5. Decorate with markers as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• The same technique can be used with a sheet of regular notebook or computer paper to create a miniature hat.

• Check the newspaper sheets to make sure that there aren't any age-inappropriate messages or words, such as news of a shooting or a robbery.

References

• DLTK Kids: Newspaper Sailor Hats
• Dr. Jean: Sailor Hats