intro:
This activity gives children an opportunity to express themselves creatively while sparking discussion about their friends! This activity is easy to scale for children at all ages, and provides exceptional fine motor practice, a creative outlet and a self-esteem boost.
set up ideas:
Provide materials to decorate the paper dolls that are appropriate for your children. Crayons are a great choice for very young children, while older children may enjoy using markers and various collage materials.
This activity gives children an opportunity to express themselves creatively while sparking discussion about their friends! This activity is easy to scale for children at all ages, and provides exceptional fine motor practice, a creative outlet and a self-esteem boost.
set up ideas:
Provide materials to decorate the paper dolls that are appropriate for your children. Crayons are a great choice for very young children, while older children may enjoy using markers and various collage materials.
let's get started
You only need a few supplies for this activity, but feel free to experiment with a variety of materials! You'll need construction paper and scissors to get started. From there, you may also wish to use markers, crayons, wiggly eyes, collage items and glue sticks.
step 1
The first thing you'll want to do is make a chain of paper dolls. Begin by folding a sheep of paper accordion style.
The first thing you'll want to do is make a chain of paper dolls. Begin by folding a sheep of paper accordion style.
step 2
On the top piece of the paper, draw the shape of a person with the arms and feet extending all the way to the edges.
On the top piece of the paper, draw the shape of a person with the arms and feet extending all the way to the edges.
step 3
Cut the folded paper along the outline you've created, then unfold the accordion to reveal your chain of people.
Cut the folded paper along the outline you've created, then unfold the accordion to reveal your chain of people.
step 4
Decorate each paper doll to look like a friend. You may use crayons, markers, construction paper, tissue paper or other collage materials to add facial features and clothing.
Decorate each paper doll to look like a friend. You may use crayons, markers, construction paper, tissue paper or other collage materials to add facial features and clothing.
This activity is a great chance for children to talk about their friends. Ask them about their friends, how they met and what kinds of activities they like to do together. Have they been to each other's houses? Do they know each other from school?
Tips & TricksYounger children may need a little guidance in drawing or cutting their paper dolls in order to make a chain. If they cut the edge so that the figures do not form a chain, you may wish to help them tape or glue their dolls together.
Follow up ActivityAfter they've created their representations of their friends, have the children discuss who the characters are and how they know each other. This is a great activity for social awareness and self-esteem.