Stringing Straws to Create a Hanging Star

Preschool Art Lesson Plan: Stringing Straws to Create a Hanging Star

Learning Objectives

1. Cognitive Objective: Understand the shape and structure of a pentagon and a five-pointed star.

2. Skill Objective: Learn to string straws together to form a pentagon and observe the transformation into a five-pointed star.

3. Affective Objective: Stimulate curiosity and creativity by engaging children in hands-on activities and a “magic” transformation, while celebrating each child's uniqueness.

Materials Needed

1. Paper Straws: 5 long and 5 short per child (preferably in bright colors for visual interest).

2. Twine/String: Two pieces of twine per child.

3. Photos of Children: Pre-laminated small photos of each child.

4. Glue Dots or Tape: For attaching photos to the stars.

5. Teacher Demonstration Materials: A pre-made pentagon model and extra straws for demonstration.

Lesson Steps

Opening Remarks

"First, I want to thank everyone for contributing to the rainbow Christmas tree for our class. Each of you completed an amazing task, and all of you are a part of this tree. Thank you for making your Christmas lights as well. Today, we will each make a five-pointed star to hang in our classroom. Each star will have your picture in the center because you are all unique and special stars in our class family!"

1. Introduction to the Shapes (5 minutes)

• Show two pre-made models: one made of five connected straws forming a pentagon and the other in the shape of a star. Ask the children:

  • “What shape are these?”

  • (Answer: pentagon and five-pointed star.)

• Explain:

  • "The pentagon is a very mysterious shape, and the five-pointed star is a very unique shape. The pentagon and the five-pointed star are like brothers—they both have five angles and five sides."

• Draw a pentagon on the whiteboard, then draw a five-pointed star inside it. Ask:

  • “Can you see the five-pointed star inside the pentagon?”

  • “Can you see a smaller pentagon inside the star?”

• Explain that this pattern can go on infinitely, which is why the pentagon is mysterious and the star is unique.

• Mention the famous Pentagon Building in Washington, D.C., the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, and show a picture of it to the children.

Prompting Questions:

• “If we use five straws and some string, can we make a star like this?”

• “First, we’ll start with a simple pentagon, then we’ll see how it magically transforms into a five-pointed star!”

2. Children Stringing the Straws into a Pentagon (10 minutes)

Step 1: Distribute Materials

• Each child receives 5 straws, two pieces of twine, and their pre-laminated photo.

Step 2: Stringing the Pentagon

• Teacher demonstrates how to string the straws together:

  1. Thread the string through each straw one by one.

  2. Tie the string to form a closed pentagon shape.

• Children follow along to complete their pentagons.

Observation and Encouragement:

• Provide support to children who need help.

• Encourage children to describe the shapes they’ve made:

  • “What shape do you think this is?”

  • “Can you see the five sides of the pentagon?”

    

3. Teacher Demonstrates: Transforming the Pentagon into a Five-Pointed Star (5 minutes)

The Magic Step:

1. Teacher takes a completed pentagon from a child.

2. Demonstrates how to adjust the straws by crossing them at the corners to form a star:

   • Cross adjacent straws so each corner of the pentagon becomes a point of the star.

   • Tighten the string to secure the shape.

3. Add a small loop to the end of the string to create a hanging point for the star.

Adding the Photo:

• Distribute the children's pre-laminated photos.

• Show how to attach the photo to the center of the star using glue dots or tape.

Verbal Guidance:

• “Look, I just adjusted the straws a little, and the pentagon turned into a five-pointed star!”

• “Now we’re adding your photo in the middle because each of you is a special star in our class family!”

4. Display the Stars and Discuss (5 minutes)

• Teacher hangs the completed stars in the classroom for display.

• Discuss with the children:

  • “How did the pentagon turn into a star?”

  • “Does your star look beautiful? Where would you like to hang it?”

Extension Activities

• Encourage children to share their pentagons with their families at home and explain how they were transformed into stars.

• Parents can help children complete the star at home, fostering family interaction.

Safety and Notes

1. Safety Considerations: Ensure the string is tied securely, and only the teacher adjusts the straws for the “magic” transformation.

2. Engagement: Keep the transformation process fun and interactive, using simple language and gestures to maintain children’s attention.