Paper Flower Lei Patterns
Begin by preparing pre-cut flowers from cardstock paper in an assortment of colours, ensuring each flower has a small hole punched through its centre for threading. Cut drinking straws into segments of approximately one and a half inches and prepare pieces of yarn about two feet long with a thick knot tied at one end. Gather the children and introduce the concept of patterns using simple examples such as "red, blue, red, blue" or "flower, straw, flower, straw." Demonstrate how to thread the yarn through a flower and push it down to the knot, then thread a straw segment and push it down to the flower. Invite each child to select up to three different colours of flowers and guide them to create their own repeating pattern as they thread. Encourage verbal articulation of the pattern they are creating. As each child completes their lei, tie the ends together securely. Conclude by having children share their leis with the group, describing the pattern they chose and counting how many flowers and straw segments they used.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Flowers and Plants
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Materials
- Cardstock in assorted colours
- Drinking straws (two per child)
- Yarn (approximately two feet per child)
- Scissors
- Pre-cut paper flowers with centre holes
Instructions
Begin by preparing pre-cut flowers from cardstock paper in an assortment of colours, ensuring each flower has a small hole punched through its centre for threading. Cut drinking straws into segments of approximately one and a half inches and prepare pieces of yarn about two feet long with a thick knot tied at one end.
Gather the children and introduce the concept of patterns using simple examples such as "red, blue, red, blue" or "flower, straw, flower, straw." Demonstrate how to thread the yarn through a flower and push it down to the knot, then thread a straw segment and push it down to the flower.
Invite each child to select up to three different colours of flowers and guide them to create their own repeating pattern as they thread. Encourage verbal articulation of the pattern they are creating. As each child completes their lei, tie the ends together securely.
Conclude by having children share their leis with the group, describing the pattern they chose and counting how many flowers and straw segments they used.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's ability to identify and extend a pattern while threading different pieces to create their paper flower lei.