Christian Thais often use the fish, an ancient Christian symbol, as a traditional holiday decoration. Introduce your child to a new and different cultural practice, and improve her fine motor skills at the same time, by creating a quick and easy version of a Thai fish design! Be sure to use tightly woven mats to achieve the best results.
What You Need:
- Line drawings of fish (use the Internet for help)
- Scrap paper
- Several straw mats (do not use plastic coated straw)
- Straight pins (optional)
- Non-toxic bold markers or acrylic paints
- Scotch tape
- Scissors
- Newspaper
- Brightly colored fabric (optional)
- Electrical tape (optional)
- 1 push pin
What You Do:
- Show your child how to search for images of Christian fish online. Examine the fish images with your child, and help him to break them down into 2 to 4 simple parts (e.g., head, body, tail, fins).
- Encourage your child to draw the fish parts freehand, at whatever size he thinks is best.
- When your child is satisfied with the drawing, encourage child him to cut it out carefully.
- Ask your child to cover up his work surface with newspaper. The coloring or painting may get messy!
- Help your child to place the pattern pieces on the straw, pinning it down if necessary. Instruct your child to cut out the pattern from the straw mat.
- If the straw weave is very tight, your child should be able to color the pieces with markers. If not, he can apply acrylic paint. If he wishes, he can glue fabric onto the two largest fins. Make sure he lets the pieces dry before continuing.
- Encourage your child to tape the pieces together from the back, to hold the straw together. If you want the fish to last as long as possible, make sure he binds the edges with electrical tape.
- Invite your child to draw on a smiling mouth and eye.
Help your child pin up his festive holiday fish with a push pin! He will be delighted with the reactions that his creation receives.
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