How to Make a Lei in Preschool
One way to teach children about different aspects of American culture and history from a very young age is through arts and crafts. From traditional Native American headdresses to paper American flags and more, kids learn through crafting. For a lesson in Hawaiian American culture, you can work with preschoolers to make leis from paper. The variety of color and flower shape combinations allows children to use their creativity while creating a lei that is truly one of a kind.
Things You'll Need
- Thick construction paper or card stock
- Printer (optional)
- Scissors
- Large needle
- Paint, markers or crayons
- Glitter (optional)
- Drinking straws (two)
- Yarn (approximately two feet)
- Tape
Instructions
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1
Draw flower shapes, about 3 inches in size, on several colors of card stock, or find a printable template online. Help the children use scissors to cut out the flower shapes.
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2
Poke small holes through the center of each flower cut-out with a large needle. The hole must be wide enough to accommodate a length of yarn.
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3
Decorate the paper flower cutouts with paint, markers or crayons if desired. Add some glitter for a shimmery effect.
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4
Cut drinking straws into segments. Each of the straw segments should be approximately 1 1/2 inches long.
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5
Cut a color-coordinated piece of yarn into a 2-foot length with scissors. Tie a large knot at one end of the yarn. At the other end, tightly wrap a small piece of tape to form a needle-like end. Thread the flower cut-outs onto the yarn, alternating them with straw segments. Repeat this pattern until your lei reaches the desired length.
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To finish the project, tie the ends of the yarn together securely to form a completed lei necklace.
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Tips & Warnings
Have children decorate their flowers on newspaper to make clean-up a breeze.
Always supervise children who are using scissors or glue.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Maria Teijeiro/Lifesize/Getty Images
