Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Paper · The activity desk
Patterned paper fan
Fold a decorated sheet into a hand-held fan.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A full sheet of paper and large child-appropriate crayons.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Lay the paper flat and choose a few colors.
Adult's role: Stay beside the child and help make the folds.
Let's make it happen
- Decorate both sides of the sheet with lines, dots, or other patterns.
- Fold a narrow strip along one short edge. Turn the paper over and fold another strip of the same width; repeat to make a zigzag.
- Hold the folded strips together at one end, spread the other end, and gently wave the fan.
Make it simpler: An adult folds the fan while the child chooses its decoration.
Clean up: Put away the crayons and keep the fan for play.
Adult stays beside the child. No sticks, bands, or string are needed.