Christmas tree

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This “Build A Christmas Tree” STEAM activity offers a unique opportunity to incorporate construction, lights, and Christmas decorations in an engaging way. Materials needed are readily available and easy to collect. In the process of building a tree and decorating it, young children progress in many areas of development.

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Supplies To Collect

• clear plastic plates, cups, and serving trays
• clear plastic lids (if needed to complete the size range)
• Individual lights
• nonbreakable Christmas decorations
• picture/template of the completed project

The serving trays and plates should be of different sizes. I added one clear plastic lid because I could not find the size needed in a plate or tray.

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Christmas bell decorations and garland add sensory appeal to this activity.

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Stage the “Build A Christmas Tree” Activity

Set out the construction materials and Christmas decorations on a table with ample space.

Display a picture of the completed project. (A picture can be downloaded further down the post.)

Challenge children to build a tree and decorate it. Offer help as requested or needed.

A snack tray works well as the largest and bottom piece, as decorations can be stored on it.

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“Build A Christmas Tree” STEAM Learning Possibilities

Building a stacked tree offers many opportunities for learning. Here is a list of developmental areas and growth possibilities for each one using this construction activity.

Math

• Practice ordering sizes from smallest to largest.
• Match sizes and shapes.
• Learn about height, length, measurement, symmetry, and balance.
• Count layers on the tree.

Science

• Learn cause and effect when putting heavier and lighter decorations on higher or lower parts of the tree.
• See the results of adding lights to different parts of the tree.

Fine And Gross Motor Control

• Develop eye-hand coordination in placing decorations in just the right spot.

Language Development

• Name objects.
• Describe decorations as heavy, light, hard, soft, fluffy, metallic, bright red, rough, or smooth.

Creative Development

• Create a unique tree by choosing from many kinds of trimmings and lights.

Sensory Exploration

• Feel different textures and notice smells.
• Observe seasonal colors and shapes.
• Hear the jingling sound of bells.

Social Development

• Learn to co-operate when building the tree with other children.
• Enhance friendships when working together as a team.

Self Esteem Enhancement

• Gain a sense of satisfaction in building and decorating a unique tree by oneself or with friends.
• Opportunity to make choices.

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Learning Possibilities Download

Download this list of learning possibilities to use as a handout for teachers, caregivers or parents.

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This activity is perfect for an adult and children to work on. The stacked tree is challenging to make, and early learners may appreciate some grown-up assistance. And adults can offer decorating challenges to extend the learning experience, ie.

• Can you make a tree shape with these circles and cups?
• Can you put all the pompoms on?
• Can you find a spot for the acorns?
• Can you put two bells on the tree?
• Can you put heavier pieces on the bottom tray?
• Can you put a pom pom on each side of a circle shape?

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Reproducing A Design From A Template Or Photo

Studies show that reproducing a design from a template or photo enhances mathematical skills and brain development. This is a more structured kind of construction play. However, it’s perfectly okay to offer these materials in two ways:

1. Challenge children to build a tree similar to a template or photo, and offer the materials in an open-ended way another day.
2. Offer materials in an open-ended way first, and challenge children to build a template design as a follow-up activity.

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Download a picture to use as a pattern here.

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This “Build A Christmas Tree” STEAM activity can be offered on a tabletop, or placed on a light table. It can be set in the room at different places over a period of days or moved around by the children. The accessories can be saved for other light/light table activities.

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For more Christmas tree-building ideas, view a post on the website Left Brain Craft Brain.

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