I had not thought of it in that way until I read on threeminutemontessori that stringing paper lanterns can also be a variation of the lacing/threading activity. So that’s something Little P and I did together this time round instead of I doing it by myself.
Stringing traditional paper lanterns
This was a very fast project for me simply because I had the pack of mini lanterns already in my stash. So it was just a matter of reusing some long twine to string the lanterns and hanging them on existing wall hooks that we use annually for Xmas and CNY decorations.
Little P helping to string mid-autumn festival lanterns and then watching as I hang them higher than he could reach. Little P also enjoyed counting the lanterns and exclaiming how they are similar to cable cars! He then ran up and down the corridor while explaining how the “cable cars” travel along the twine.
Read reviews and buy similar mini Mid-Autumn Paper Lanterns on Amazon.
The lanterns also became a fun interactive installation of sorts for dad who will hold Little P up high so he can bob his head against the lanterns or if he were in a more violent mood, bash the lanterns. Which is why these lanterns are hung out of reach and only accessible if someone is there to supervise him and remind him to be gentle. I do want to preserve them for at least until his cousin visits on the weekend. And also ideally for longer term because reuse, reduce. #savetheearth
But seeing how he really enjoys interacting with them on his own as well, I thought we might try to make some DIY papers lanterns that he could reach and that that I don’t mind him destroying (if it comes to that).
Making and stringing DIY lanterns for naming colours and counting
Older pre-schoolers may find this craft activity more interesting than younger ones like Little P (2.5 years). When I showed him how to cut along the lines of the lantern template to make the lantern, he decided he didn’t want to cut along the lines.
Template kindly provided by Chalk Academy here.
You can also find more instructions on her post.
Basically I am not matching his needs with this project because I am introducing to him product art, while he was more interested in process art i.e. snipping out strips of paper with his scissors.
Process Art is about the creative process of making the art, and not about the end product. On the other hand, Product Art is doing a project to make a particular end product, with a specific end “look”.
KENNEDY, M. J. (2020, JANUARY 13). PROCESS ART VS. PRODUCT ART: WHY PROCESS ART IS IMPORTANT. THE MONTESSORI-MINDED MOM. RETRIEVED SEPTEMBER 16, 2021.
But that’s really not a big issue. We sat companionably at the table. I cut along the lines on the coloured paper with my pair of scissors to make my product art and he snipped carefreely on his coloured paper to make his process art. We are free to observe each other and talk about what we are doing. At times I invite him to participate in part of my work, like applying glue to the paper.
And when I am done making my coloured lanterns. He was happy to help loop the thread through them. Look at his lips pursed in concentration!
It is easier to thread them when he has one end anchored with a hook!
Also check out these Montessori-friendly activities for the Mid-Autumn festival season
- Making DIY Dog-friendly mooncakes with toddler
- 月儿圆圆 – A Simple Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Song for Toddlers
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Kismet
If you are rwo years old, you can do whatever you want.