Acorn Lacing Activity

Today we did an acorn lacing activity from Danielle's Place.  I adjusted the poem for the kids who aren't necessarily from religious backgrounds, but she has an adorable poem to go with it on her site as well.  This is a great activity for little hands to practice their small motor skills and it makes a great Fall craft.

For this activity you will need:

The templates from Danielle's Place

Tan and brown construction paper (I've also done this with cardboard to make the tops sturdier for little hands)

Yarn (any color)

hole punch

tape (Painter's tape actually works better than the Scotch tape we used this time)

glue

glitter glue

print-outs of the poem

Here is the poem we used:

Just like the little acorn

That grows to be a tree.

I’m growing every day,

And learning what I’ll be!

 

1.  Trace the tops of the acorns on brown paper and the bottom pattern on tan paper (or switch it if you like!)

2.  Punch holes along the edges of the acorn top.

3.  Wrap tape around one edge of the yarn to  make it easier for small fingers to thread.  Pull the yarn through the first hole and tape the opposite end to the back of the acorn.  That way the kids won't be able to pull the yarn all the way through.

4.  Let the kids lace their yarn through the top of the acorn holes.  Depending on the age of your kids, this may require more or less assistance.

5.  Once they are finished lacing, trim off the excess yarn and tape the other end to the back of the acorn.

6.  Glue the top of the acorn to the bottom.

7.  Glue the poem to the back of the acorn.  (or you can glue it to the front and skip step #8)

8.  Write each child's name in glitter glue on their acorn.

The kids loved the finished product on these, but some of them did get frustrated with the lacing.  If possible, work with one child at a time on this while the others color a Fall picture.  That way, you can help them find the next hole without skipping.