Pop-Up Flower Card
Prepare card bases before the lesson: fold two rectangular pieces of sugar paper in half. On the piece that will be the inside, cut a short diagonal line near the middle fold, then fold the resulting flap. Open the card and push the flap inward to create a pop-up vase shape. Gather children and demonstrate the pop-up mechanism, showing how the vase shape rises when the card opens. Distribute prepared inner cards and outer covers in contrasting colours. Guide children to use stencils and their creativity to draw, colour, and cut flower shapes. Provide pre-cut green stems for children to trim to size. Demonstrate gluing stems to the pop-up vase, then attaching flowers so they fan upward but do not extend beyond the card edges when closed. Glue the inner card to the outer cover, taking care not to glue down the pop-up flap. Have children write or dictate a message inside their card. Depending on developmental level, teachers may transcribe messages as children dictate. Conclude by having children present their cards, demonstrating the pop-up feature and reading their messages.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Flowers and Plants
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Materials
- Assorted colours of sugar paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers and crayons
Instructions
Prepare card bases before the lesson: fold two rectangular pieces of sugar paper in half. On the piece that will be the inside, cut a short diagonal line near the middle fold, then fold the resulting flap. Open the card and push the flap inward to create a pop-up vase shape.
Gather children and demonstrate the pop-up mechanism, showing how the vase shape rises when the card opens. Distribute prepared inner cards and outer covers in contrasting colours.
Guide children to use stencils and their creativity to draw, colour, and cut flower shapes. Provide pre-cut green stems for children to trim to size. Demonstrate gluing stems to the pop-up vase, then attaching flowers so they fan upward but do not extend beyond the card edges when closed.
Glue the inner card to the outer cover, taking care not to glue down the pop-up flap. Have children write or dictate a message inside their card. Depending on developmental level, teachers may transcribe messages as children dictate.
Conclude by having children present their cards, demonstrating the pop-up feature and reading their messages.
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 work cooperatively, follow directions, and use artistic creativity to create an original pop-up card.