by A.R. Posley

Created on: October 26, 2009   Last Updated: November 03, 2009

When it comes to arts and crafts, kids can do wonders with construction paper. Construction paper crafts are ideal for elementary and middle school kids at home or in the classroom, especially when making holiday crafts. Parents and teachers will find a wide range of easy ideas for construction paper crafts as detailed in this guide.

* Construction Paper Fold-and-Cut Holiday Decorations (Stars and Snowflakes)

Description: Kids will enjoy making stars and snowflakes from folded and cut construction paper that make excellent ornaments and decorations.

Materials: construction paper and scissors

Instructions:

To make a four-pointed star:

1. Turn a piece of construction paper into a square by folding over one corner so that the top edge of the paper is aligned with a side edge. Then, cut off the rectangular portion of paper that is outside of the formed triangle.

2. With the construction paper folded as a triangle, fold it in half again to create a smaller triangle.

3. Fold the triangle in half once more.

4. Cut the folded construction paper in half from the line between the narrowest angle to the base of the angle.

To make a snowflake:

5. After, completing step 4 of making a star, keep the construction paper folded and draw designs along each edge.

6. Cut out these designs and unfold the paper.

* Construction Paper Pop Up Card

Description: Kids will enjoy crafting a pop up card by making partial angle cuts to a folded piece of construction paper and folding it in to create an internal pop up image.

Materials: construction paper, scissors, glue stick, markers

Instructions:

1. Decide on an image to draw that is symmetrical when folded in half (example: star).

2. On the front of the folded construction paper, draw the top half of the image four times along the top of the card's crease.

3. Cut along the lines of the drawn images, stopping slightly before reaching the uppermost tip of the image that will be left attached.

4. Tuck the partially cut images inward and open the card to discover the four pop up images.

5. Color the pop up images with markers and write a message within the card.

*Tip: To disguise the cuts made to the outside of the card edge, open the card face up and glue another piece of construction paper over it. Then, personalize the cover of the card with greetings and images.

Without question, kids will get a thrill out of making these easy construction paper crafts. Many of these ideas are perfect for the holiday season as kids use their creativity to make gifts, ornaments, and decorations that will definitely bring joy to their teachers, family, and friends.

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