- Let your kids practice weaving by giving them strips of construction paper, cut lengthwise in 1" segments. Have the kids alternate colors in any combination they like; first they should lay out approximately eight strips in front of them, lengthwise. Then use 11 or 12 more strips to make vertical layers. For each vertical strip, layer it over and under alternating horizontal strips. When all the strips are assembled this way into a woven mat, glue the strips together along the edges and trim vertical strips to match the height of the horizontal ones.
- Kids can make placemats for the whole family using some family photos and construction paper. Give your child a sheet of construction paper (11" by 14" is best, if you can find it) for each member of the family and some family photos. Encourage her to cut and paste photos of individual family members on the construction paper, and then add other items that represent that person (stickers of favorite characters, drawings, scrapbooking supplies). Write each family member's name on his placemat, and when you're finished everyone will have a special personalized placemat.
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Placemats can be made into learning fun, too. Give your kids something to look at while they spend time at the table after they finish eating. Let your child color a map of the United States and glue it on a large sheet of construction paper. Then they can practice naming states and capitals at mealtimes. Or have your child glue a tracing worksheet onto his placemat; he can use a dry-erase marker to practice tracing over and over again. Just wipe off between practice sessions.
Help younger kids glue simple shapes on their papers. The shapes can be cut out of construction paper in a variety of colors; trace shapes from clip art on your computer if you need to. Then at dinner you can help your child identify his shapes and colors.
