Triangle Star Ornament

Brayden made this cute star in Primary this past Sunday. It is quite simple and a fun way for your child to make an ornament. This is perfect if you want to learn about the shape triangle at this time of year. It is also great for developing geometry skills in recognizing shapes within shapes.

Cut out two triangles. If your child is old enough, have him cut them out. This is excellent fine motor practice.

Glue the two triangles together so they form a star shape. Punch a hole in one point, tie a ribbon, and you are done!

This is simple enough for older children (preschooler and older) to do without your direct help, so you could have this be a Christmas activity while you are doing other things close by.

Star Sponge Painting

I got the basics for this idea out of The Toddler's Busy Book. It is quite simple.

AGE RANGE
I would say a child 12 months or older can participate in this activity. The 12-15 month old will need A WHOLE LOT of help, the 15-18 month old will need A LOT of help, and the 18 months and older will just need help. Assuming you have your patient hat on. Your "it is okay to get messy" hat on (some of you know just what I mean). But the book is written for 18 months and up.

SUPPLIES

• Paper
• Paint
• Sponge
• Knife
• Paper plate

PREP

1. Cut the sponge into a star shape. If you aren't comfortable freehand-cutting a star shape (which would be me), try using a cookie cutter or a star shape out of paper and tracing it on the sponge with a marker. Then cut it out.
2. Get painting surface ready. At my house this means a tablecloth on the table.
3. Pour paint onto a paper plate.

ACTIVITY
Have your child dip the sponge in the paint and then press it onto the paper. Let dry and hang to decorate!

These photos are from last year. We did them the same week we learned about stars. Kaitlyn was 2 and Brayden was 4.