Easy Classroom Ornaments to Make: Toy Soldier Ornaments are easy and fun to make in the classroom. With Christmas time approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity to engage students in a fun, hands-on activity that doesn’t break the bank. These simple and inexpensive toy soldier ornaments are enjoyable to create and will be cherished by children and parents alike. Whether you make them with your students or at home with your own children, these ornaments are sure to add a festive touch to the holiday season.
What You Will Need to Make Easy Toy Soldier Ornaments
This simple art project requires just a few basic items, most of which can be found at your local superstore or craft store:
You Will Need:
- 9 mini Popsicle sticks per ornament (Here is a link to an example of these sticks on Amazon.)
- Glue gun
- Black, blue, and red markers
- Gold glitter glue
- Ornament hook
- Pipe cleaners
- Craft pom pom
- Mod podge
- Tissue paper
- Googly eyes
- Yellow paint
Pro Tip: Use mini Popsicle sticks instead of regular-size ones. They make the ornaments more manageable in size and easier for students to color.
How to Prepare These Easy Toy Soldier Ornaments
After gathering your materials, the next step is to prep the toy soldier figures. For efficiency, create one example ornament to send home with a parent volunteer to pre-assemble for your class. Alternatively, print out an image showing both the front and back of the ornament. This visual guide is helpful for understanding the assembly process.
- Use a hot glue gun to attach the ornament hook to the back of each toy soldier before giving them to the students.
- Ensure the back of the ornament is secured with three sticks positioned horizontally to hold the vertical sticks in place.
Assembly Tip:
- The back of the ornament is crucial. Proper assembly ensures the ornament stays intact.
Color Code the Toy Soldier Ornament for Student Success
The first year I made these in the classroom, I quickly realized that providing students with a pre-colored example made all the difference. Without guidance, it can be challenging for younger students to visualize what their ornaments should look like.
Solution:
- Create a color-coded guide using markers to indicate which areas should be black, blue, and red. This simple step helps students stay on track and ensures their finished ornaments resemble toy soldiers.
Adding the Final Touches
Once students finish coloring their toy soldiers, it’s time to add the final details:
- Add detailing with gold glitter glue to make the ornaments sparkle and stand out.
- For an extra special touch, use metallic permanent markers to add fine details like buttons and trim.
- Use a piece of ribbon at the top of the ornament to hang it on the Christmas tree.
- Have students write their names and the year on the back of their ornaments. This personalizes each piece and creates a meaningful keepsake.
A Keepsake to Treasure
These Easy Classroom Ornaments to Make are more than just a craft project; they’re a memory-making activity that students will treasure for years to come. My daughter made one last year alongside my kindergarten class, and she beams with pride every time she hangs it on our tree. Parents will appreciate the effort and love their children put into these delightful ornaments.
This holiday season, bring a little extra joy and creativity into your classroom by making these Easy Classroom Ornaments to Make. These fun and festive Toy Soldier Ornaments are one of the best Easy Classroom Ornaments to Make, ensuring a meaningful experience for everyone involved. These easy-to-make ornaments are a great way to introduce younger kids and older kids alike to DIY Christmas decorations, and crafting holiday spirit with the whole family. Happy crafting!
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