DIY Paper Plate Christmas Wreath

• Metallic Gold Spray Paint
• Permanent Marker
• Uncooked Elbow Noodles
• Paper Plates
• Scissor
• School Glue
• Newspaper 
• 1-Hole Punch
• Red Chinelle Stems /Pipe Cleaners or thin red ribbon
• Thick Red Ribbon
• Glue Gun with Glue Sticks

Directions to make DIY Paper Plate Christmas Wreath

1. ADULTS: Cut the center of the paper plate out.

2.Use the permanent marker and write the child’s name on the back of the plate.

3. Let the child place drop of glue on the paper plate.  Put a noodle on top of each glue drop.

Squeezing the glue and picking up the noodles with the thumb and pointer finger makes this Paper Plate Christmas Wreath a great fine-motor skills craft.

MATH SPIN ON IT:
Roll and Cover Christmas Tree Wreath: For older children, let them roll 1 die and call out the number Place the same amount of glue dots as the number rolled. Then cover each glue dot with a noodle.  Repeat rolling until the wreath has been filled. Challenge: How many noodles are on the wreath all together?

For an EXTRA math challenge: Hand children two dice. Let them roll both and place either the sum or the difference on their wreath.  a 2 and a 4 would mean children could place either 2 glue dots (4-2=2) or 6 glue dots on their wreath (4+2=6)

4. Allow the wreath to dry.

5. ADULT ONLY STEP: Set the dried noodle wreath on newspapers outside, away from children. Follow all safety instructions on your paint container.  Spray with gold paint.  Make sure to paint from several angles until all the noodles and paper plate is covered. Allow to dry

6. Make a hole near the edge using the hold punch. Thread the red Pipe Cleaner through the hole and twist.

7. Make a bow with the large ribbon.  Glue to the top or bottom of the paper plate wreath.

OPTIONAL: Have the children wrap their paper plate wreath with tissue paper to give as a gift.

More Gifts for Kids to Make and Give from the Early Childhood Education Team