Make a Statue of Liberty Crown

In their social studies core curriculum, first graders learn about the basic idea of laws and government. This is not to say they’ll be reading you their Constitutional Rights (listen for that in high school), but they will definitely learn about the Fourth of July and timeless American ideals of freedom. Quite often, they’ll look at pictures of the Statue of Liberty, and if they live near enough, their class may very well pay a visit during the year.

Here’s a social studies craft that also encourages reading and vocabulary development.  Snip, paint, draw, and enjoy!

What You Need:

• Two plain white 9” paper plates
• Gold paint
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Permanent marker
• Dictionary
• Ruler
• Optional: Picture or book about the Statue of Liberty        

What to Do:

1. Start with your dictionary (during first grade, kids will start learning to use these for simple words). Find the word “liberty,” and, together with your child, talk about the definition. What kinds of “liberties” are important in our world?  Start a list on a spare piece of paper. You’ll return to it later.
2. Use your ruler to divide one plate in half along the diameter, then divide the halves in half and each quarter in half again to make eight triangular sections. Have your first grader cut one out completely with scissors, and cut the others from the middle almost to the rim of the plate, but be sure to leave an inch before the edge of the plate. 
3. Fold the triangle “crown” shapes back over the rim.
4. In the meantime, take the other paper plate, and cut the flat middle out, leaving a round, ridged shape that’s just the right size for a child’s head. Slide the triangular “crown” paper over the edge of the circular rim, and staple the layers together. Paint the crown gold on both sides.
5. You’re almost ready to wear the crown—perfect for a Fourth of July parade—but first, go back to your list. The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor as an enduring symbol of our most important American values. Have your child write the words on the inside rim of the crown, all around in an unbroken circle. 
6. At this point, your child’s understanding of these principles may seem fairly basic to you, but that’s right on target.  These are ideas and ideals for your child to explore for a lifetime, and you can feel proud that you’re getting that process started.