Each one has six sides. And no two are exactly the same. Snowflakes can offer endless delight for curious little kids. If you live in Maine or Wyoming, your first grader can step outside in December to collect the real thing; but if you live in warmer climates, no worries! There’s still lots of fun to be had exploring the art, science, and math of snowflakes. All you need is a pair of scissors and some plain white office paper, along with a kid who’s ready for a little creative adventure.
What You Need:
- children’s scissors
- plain white typing paper (not too thick)
What You Do:
- Take out one sheet of plain white typing paper (8 ½” x 11”), and lay it on a table in front of you horizontally. Cut 2 ½” off the long side of the paper so that you are left with an 8 ½” square.
- Now you’re ready for folding. Start by folding the square diagonally, so that you’re left with a triangular shape. Now turn the triangle so that the long, folded edge is facing you. Match up the bottom left corner and the bottom right corner, and fold the triangle in half. Turn the triangle one more time so that the longest edge is facing you, and fold it in half one final time.
- Use the scissors to cut into the triangle on any side…just don’t cut all the way across to the other side of the triangle, or you’ll cut your snowflake apart! Kids may cut little triangles, or make curve cuts, or squares. Encourage them to mess around and explore. When they’re done, unfold the paper, and you’ll see an intricate snowflake design.
Once kids get the hang of them, paper snowflakes can be irresistible fun. Glue some big ones onto cardboard and hang them in a window. Create small ones and attach them to construction paper for glorious cards for family, friends, and teachers. Encourage your child to get out those scissors and explore. Whether in Kansas or California…let it snow!
By Julie Williams
Julie Williams, M.A. Education, taught English and History for 16 years at Aragon High School in San Mateo, California. For the last five years, she has worked in elementary classrooms with primary-level students. She is the mother of two young sons.
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