Crafty Paper Chain Snake!
Materials: Colored construction paper (2-3 colors), Child-safe scissors (adult supervision needed!), Glue stick, Googly eyes (optional), Red paper scrap for tongue (optional), Marker
Introduction (2 minutes)
Let's make a wiggly, waggly snake! We're going to use paper strips to build its long body. What colors should our snake be? Can you show me how a snake moves?
Activity: Making the Snake (6 minutes)
- Prepare Strips: (Adult step, can be pre-prepped) Cut construction paper into strips, about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long. Give the child about 5-7 strips.
- First Loop (Head): Show the child how to take one strip. Help them bend it into a loop and put a little glue on one end. Let them press the ends together to make the snake's head.
- Add Links: Take another strip. Show the child how to slide it through the first loop *before* gluing its ends together. Help them apply glue and press the ends to form the second link.
- Continue the Chain: Encourage the child to continue adding strips, looping each new one through the last one created, until all strips are used. Offer help and positive feedback. "Great gluing!" "You linked that one!"
- Decorate: Let the child stick on googly eyes (or draw eyes with a marker) on the first loop (the head). Help them glue on a small, forked red paper tongue if desired.
Conclusion (2 minutes)
Wow, look at your super paper snake! You did a great job folding, gluing, and linking the loops together. Make it wiggle! Sssssssss! Where will your colourful snake slither today?