Weaving Placemats

Activity Prep:

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Step 1: Cut the construction paper into 1 inch (2cm) strips. You will need one piece of paper worth of strips for each child (depending on the age you can pre-cut them or have them do it themselves). To make this process go quickly you can fold the paper in half or cut several sheets at one time.

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Step 2: Have the child choose a construction paper color that is different from the strips, and fold it in half.

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Step 3: Starting on the folded side, cut a 1 inch (2cm) strip on the side of the chosen paper but stop before you get to the end of the paper. Do not cut all the way through. Repeat the steps in to make 1 inch (2cm) strips until you get to the other side of the paper.  

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Step 4: Start Weaving your separate strips into your chosen paper! (demonstrate)  

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Activity Instructions:

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Introduce the activity with the following instructions::
“Today we are going to learn the art of weaving! Pick a colorful piece of paper and fold it in half. Start cutting on the folded side, about 1 inch (2cm) from the edge and cut until you almost reach the end of the paper but leave a bit of the paper still attached. You can cut wavy lines or straight lines; it's your choice! Continue cutting lines starting at the fold about 1 inch (2cm) apart until you reach the end of the sheet. Now you can start weaving! (demonstrate). Before you know it you will have a beautiful design. Once your weaving is complete, glue the ends of the strips to the paper so they don’t fall out.”

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Adaptions:

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Ages 3-6:
Pre-cut the strips of paper and the design on the placemat. Just have them do the weaving. After you are done you can laminate them and use them for placemats during snack time!

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Ages 6/7 and up:
Have the children do the project and prep start to finish themselves. Let them be creative with the shape of their cuts. You could also have them measure the width of the strips to teach measurement skills.