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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:
- Challenge children to build a tree similar to a template or photo, and offer the materials in an open-ended way another day.
- 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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