Paper Palms on Sticks

Materials

• 1. 18" narrow dowels or sturdy branches trimmed on sides (1 per student)
• Green Construction Paper
• Stapler, Tape and Glue
• Scissors (1 or 2 large for teachers, small safety scissors for children)

Procedure

1. Fold construction paper in the middle, lengthwise
2. Cut along the open end, the shape of a half leaf, allowing 3-4 inches for the stem.
3. Have children cut strips slanting upwards from the cut edge towards the fold, (halfway up) .
4. Open the leaf and lay the dowel or branch on the inside fold, with the tip of the leaf extending about ½ beyond the stick. Allow the dowel or stick to show on the other end where the child will hold it.
5. Place a thin line of glue or paste inside the fold, along each edge of the stick.
6. Fold paper over, with the stick as close to the fold as possible. Press down and hold until the glued area of the paper sticks together.
7. Put a few staples on the outside as close as possible to the stick to help hold the leaf closed.
8. Flair the slanted strips a bit so they will wave.
9. Watch to see that the children do not wave the branches at each other, but hold them upright!