# Pattern Christmas Tree Craft
> Kids glue one-inch tissue paper squares onto a simple tree outline in a pattern or a riot of color, fill the gaps with markers, then add square presents with triangle bows. A holiday spin on pattern and fine motor practice.
- URL: https://www.funlittles.com/christmas-activities-kids-pattern-christmas-tree-craft/
- Ages: 3–7 yrs · Difficulty: easy · Mess: low
- Time: prep 15 min, activity 30 min
- Works for: one-on-one, small group, whole class · one batch serves about 1 kids
- Skills: patterns, fine-motor, colors, scissor-skills

## Materials (one batch)
- 1 sheet Simple Christmas tree template
- One-inch tissue paper squares (Hygloss)
- 1 piece Color Burst permanent markers
- 1 piece Glue (glue stick) (household)
- 1 piece Kid scissors (household)

## Substitutions
- Instead of tissue squares: Regular (non-glossy) paper squares (We had both kinds. The kids preferred the glossy ones; the smooth texture adds to the fun.)
- Instead of markers: Washable markers (Gentler on hands and clothes for younger kids. Not tested in the post.)

## Safety
- Supervise scissor use, especially when kids cut squares into triangles.
- The author used permanent markers. They stain skin, clothes and tables, so cover the table and supervise, or swap in washable markers for younger kids.
- Small paper squares are not for mouthing. Supervise younger children.

## Before you start
- Draw or print a simple tree outline (triangle and trunk) for each child, with optional box outlines under it for presents.
- Sort the one-inch tissue squares by color into a tray or bowl.

## Steps
1. Set out the tree template and a pile of one-inch tissue paper squares.
2. Pick a pattern or design for the tree, like alternating red and green, or just fill it with lots of color.
3. Glue the squares onto the tree. Put glue on each square, or spread glue on the paper and pop the squares on.
4. Use markers to color in the empty corners so the tree looks complete.
5. Make present boxes under the tree, using four tissue squares for each present.
6. Cut a square diagonally to make two small triangles.
7. Glue the triangles on top of each present as a bow.

## Tips
- I had both glossy and regular paper squares, and the kids went for the shine. The smooth texture adds to the fun, I suppose.
- Some children go for a set pattern and order. Others just embrace the colors and fill the tree with as much color as possible. Both work.
- Some kids are very methodical and glue each square meticulously. Others spread a whole lot of glue on the paper and pop the squares right on. It's amazing to see how kids approach the same simple activity in different ways.
- The kids felt the tree looked lonely without presents, so let them add their own touches once the tree is done.

## The original post by TurkeyMom (2018)

Christmas Activities for kids: Pattern Christmas Tree Craft It's quite exciting to put a holiday spin on usual learning activities for kids. We have done this with [**thanksgiving turkey**](https://www.funlittles.com/thanksgiving-craft-for-the-toddler/) that taught my then toddlers shapes, **[words in snow](https://www.funlittles.com/sensory-activities-kids-prewriting-pretend-snow/), [jingle bells drop](https://www.funlittles.com/fine-motor-activities-jingle-bell-drop/), [peppermint writing tray](https://www.funlittles.com/sensory-activities-kids-peppermint-writing-tray/) and [jingle bell fine motor](https://www.funlittles.com/fine-motor-activities-jingle-bells-fine-motor-tray/) activity** and many more. With Christmas activities in mind, this pattern Christmas tree seems to fit in the same category. Materials

- - A simple tree template
- **[Hygloss Tissue Squares](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044S59FA/?tag=blmemo-20)**
- **[Color Burst Permanent Markers](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019QBPDSM/?tag=blmemo-20)**
- Glue
- Scissors

Set out once inch tissue paper squares along with the template. I had both the glossy variety and the regular paper variety and the kids went for the shine. The smooth texture adds to the fun I suppose.



Using a set pattern or a design the kids can fill the tree with these beautiful squares. Some children go for set pattern and order Some kids just enjoy and embrace the colors and fill it up with as much color as possible. I also see a big difference in the way the kids glue. Some are very methodical and apply glue each and every tissue square and paste them meticulously. Some kids apply a whole lot of glue directly to the paper and start popping the tissue squares directly on them. It's amazing to see how kids approach the same simple activity in different ways.



Once the gluing part was over there were empty corners that didn't quite get filled up. We used markers to fill up the empty corners of the tree to make the entire thing look complete.



The kids felt that this pattern Christmas tree looked lonely without the much needed presents. They ended up making present boxes using four tissue squares.



Each one inch square can be cut diagonally to make two smaller triangles. They used the triangles to make a bow for the presents.



There are so many ways you can extend the activity { colors, numbers, patterns, sight words, cvc words}





[**More Christmas activities**](https://www.funlittles.com/category/holidays/christmas-holidays/)

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You can stop scouring Pinterest for kids activities and keep these 3 books handy.