We put out paper strips, staplers, and chenille stems. This year we added some paper shapes.
The paper shapes dominated the kids' attention. They drew and worked on them. They threaded chenille stems through to hang them. All in all, fun and engaging.
One boy decided to use a paper strip instead of a chenille stem for a hanger.
Last year making chains was the favorite activity. This year a few short chains were made. We even made a few different designs with the paper strips and wedged those on the tree, too.
But most of the kids ignored the paper strips. What was so engaging and exciting last year barely registered this year. A reminder that I need to keep focused on what the kids are interested in...and adapt activities to meet those interests. I also need to keep bringing out different things to engage their thinking in different ways. Those paper strips will be back this month, just begging to be stapled. We'll see if the kids develop an interest in that or find new ways to use them.
"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How lovely are your branches."
