Activity: Paper Wind Sock

Help build your child's self-esteem by making a personalized paper wind sock to display and enjoy.

Materials:

• cylindrical oatmeal container
• colorful construction paper
• crepe paper for wind sock streamers
• glue and stapler (optional)
• ruler and/or tape measure
• hole punch
• string
• scissors
• decorative items: buttons; sequins; glow-in-the-dark stars, etc.

Directions:
Begin by cutting the bottom out of the oatmeal container. Measure and cut the pattern for covering the container with construction paper. Glue paper and decorate container with markers, more paper designs, and small items like buttons, sequins, or glow-in-the-dark stars, etc. Add streamers by gluing or stapling onto the inside bottom of container. Punch 3-4 holes around the top edge of the container. Attach strings in 1 ft. lengths for hanging. Most importantly, add paper cut-outs or pictures of things that represent your child in some fun way like a pet, name initials, favorite sports, or special interests, etc.

Talk about It: Talk about how flags, bumper stickers, and signs carry special messages. Share that something as common as a cap or t-shirt can also represent someone's belief. Then think about what's in your drawers at home and see if you or your child can find a piece of clothing that advertises a product, event, or shares an idea.

Take it Further: Start a fun collection of age-appropriate signs, bumper stickers, sayings, and clothing that stand for a belief or interest. And when traveling from "here" to "there" help your child take notice of (age-appropriate) positive messages that promote products or child-friendly advertisements for toys, books, and television shows like Clifford!

With a Group: Help your group brainstorm create a group symbol for a flag or wind sock. Make a large pattern for your group's idea or smaller individual patterns. Come up with a name for the symbol, along with a catchy motto or salute. Note: U. S. flag etiquette states that no other flag should rise above the American flag so please be sure to take this into consideration when you display or hang your new symbol near America's flag often called Star-Spangled Banner or Old Glory.