Paper chains are just about one of the cheapest decorations out there! We love doing a traditional paper chain countdown at Christmas time. Long chains in other seasons make a sweet and affordable decoration too!
Paper Chain Activities For Kids
As it turns out, paper chains are really good for kids to make! Excellent for counting practice, motor skills, and pattern work, I’m trying to find more ways to use paper chains in our life! Young kids and older ones will be able to perform different parts of the process, but my 5 year old just assembled an entire paper chain by himself tonight, staples and all.
Scroll through to find several ways to enjoy these simple, handmade delights with your kids!
How To Make A Paper Chain
Building a paper chain with a toddler really is great fun. Toddlers will love getting to accomplish something that feels so “BIG” when it’s done — let them help as much as they possibly want!
How to Make Paper Chains with Toddlers
Wrap Paper Chains Around Your Christmas Tree
They don’t have to be red and green to use them for Christmas! These paper chains look beautiful on this tree and kids LOVE the satisfaction of getting to put something they worked so hard to make on the tree. Sometimes we like to save the garland the kids make earlier in the season and wrap it around the tree as they sleep on Christmas Eve!
Wrap Them Around Your Christmas Tree
Birthday Paper Chain Countdown
I already mentioned that we love to use a paper chain as a Christmas countdown over here, but I think we are going to start doing it for birthdays too! This particular link from Life Your Way has a cute printed message inside each ring — fun!
Birthday Paper Chain Countdown
Paper Chain Caterpillar
If you have any plans to enjoy the classic story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with your kids, this paper chain caterpillar is the perfect accompanying craft! Why not make it a whole unit? Add in some caterpillar themed math with our (free!) Caterpillar Do-a-Dot Marker Activity!
Ombre Paper Chain Decoration
Full disclosure- this project is not for the faint of heart! But I love the idea of making something so preK (paper chains) into something so elegant! Plus the sense of accomplishment for the kids when they get to help with creating a piece of home decor is priceless!
St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Chain
METADATA-START
This paper chain is short and sweet — perfect for the littlest ones! It’s a great opportunity to start teaching the rainbow, ROY G BIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet), to kids. I know, what’s indigo anymore? I still taught it to my kids! Don’t forget to capture a bit of gold while yer at it, lass!
St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Chain
Don’t forget that paper chains in any color can make a beautiful doorway or window decoration for any holiday or birthday from Valentine’s Day to Thanksgiving! Just coordinate the colors and ta-da, you’ll have a sweet, homemade decoration gracing your home!
You might also enjoy:
- Teaching Kids to Play Rock, Paper, Scissors
- Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
- Classic Books for Early Readers
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