The story behind it
By TurkeyMom · January 2013
Ages3–6 yrs
Prep15 min
Activity20 min
Leveleasy
MessLow
Works for1:1 · Small group · Class
Wrap half a kitchen paper roll in tissue paper and add foam heart wings, pipe cleaner antennae, googly eyes and a smile to make a Valentine butterfly. Close off one end and tuck in a treat bag to turn it into a candy holder for classmates.
⚠️ Safety first
- Adult cuts the slits with a knife. Do this before kids arrive or well out of their reach.
- Googly eyes are small parts and a choking hazard. Supervise closely with younger children.
- If you use it as a treat holder, keep treats in a closed treat bag. The author recommends kitchen paper rolls rather than toilet rolls for this ('just in case..feels better').
- Check classroom allergy and food rules before filling holders with treats to share.
Before the kids arrive
- Cut kitchen paper rolls in half, one half per child.
- Adult: cut the two wing slits in each tube with a knife.
- If making treat holders, fill and close the treat bags.
Steps
Set out the materials and give a riddle: a cute insect that begins with the thing you love to eat with bread. Butterfly! Let the kids think about how to make one.
Roll tissue paper around the paper tube and fold the edges inside the two holes. You can glue it on if you like.
Adult: use a knife to cut 2 slits in the tube for the wings.
Slide a foam heart into each slit for the wings.
Curl a pipe cleaner into antennae and tape it inside the top of the roll.
Stick on googly eyes and draw a smiling mouth.
Talk about the butterfly's body parts: wings, antennae, eyes.
For a treat holder: close off one end of the roll and slip in a treat bag full of treats.
Tips
- Instead of just giving instructions, set out the materials and let kids think about how to make a butterfly. Involving them in the process discussion stretches their attention span and enthusiasm.from the author
- In our house the best kind of 'invitation to play' is a fun animal riddle.from the author
- We started off gluing the tissue paper, then switched to just rolling it on the tube and folding the edges inside. Easier!from the author
- If you're using it as a treat or candy holder, stay away from toilet rolls and use kitchen paper rolls cut in half (just in case, feels better).from the author
- It's a very involved fine motor activity, so expect to help with the knife slits and taping the antennae.from the author
- Attaching the body parts makes a great little science lesson.from the author
Make it your own
- Fill with a treat bag to make homemade Valentine favors to exchange with classmates.
- Mix wing shapes and colors: scalloped glitter hearts, red, pink or purple.
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