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“May Day is Lei Day in Hawai’i!” Every year, on May 1st, people in Hawai’i celebrate May Day with lots of beautiful flowers, lei, music and hula.
When I was growing up, we would have May Day performances at school. We’d learn songs and hula, and perform them for our families. It was kind of a big deal!
This DIY paper lei is an ode to my childhood, in celebration of May Day. Try it at home with your kids…it’s a fun easy craft for all ages!
For young kids, making this paper lei is good for:
- fine motor skills
- hand-eye coordination
- learning colors
- practicing patterns
Hawaiian books for kids:
These are great books to supplement this activity and to introduce your kids to Hawaiian culture.
Learn Hawaiian colors and words in the order of the well-known song taught to Hawaiʻi’s children: ʻulaʻula, melemele, poni, polū, ʻeleʻele, ʻākala, ʻalani, keʻokeʻo, ʻāhinahina, ʻōmaʻomaʻo…mākuʻe! Each color connects to a unique part of the islands: ʻiʻiwi (scarlet honeycreeper bird), lā (sun), kalo (taro), naiʻa (spinner dolphins), nā hōku (stars), Pulelehua (Kamehameha butterfly), mauna (mountain), moana (ocean), moʻo (gecko), and more.
Learn the various meanings of the word “aloha” while enjoying the beautiful illustrations and sing-song rhymes that grace the pages of “Aloha is…” A delightful and playful look at our island home and what it means to live aloha each day.
How do you make paper lei?
Supplies:
- constructions paper (assorted colors)
- straws (Try to use whatever you have at home, paper or plastic will work.)
- yarn
- scissors
- toothpick
- tape
Step 1: Draw and cut out a flower. Then, use that flower as a template; trace it onto other colors of paper and cut the flowers out.
Step 2: Cut the straws into approximately 1″ pieces.
Step 3: Measure a piece of yarn and cut it about two inches longer than you want it to be (leaving room to tie the lei). Then, tape one end of the yarn to a toothpick.
Step 4: Use the toothpick to string the flowers and straws, alternating between the two. Encourage your kids to create a pattern with the different colors. Once the yarn is full, cut the toothpick off, then tie the two ends together.
Try these other DIY kids’ crafts!
- Rainbow Cereal Jewelry for Kids
- Easy Self Watering Milk Jug Planter
- Fruit Scraps Bird Feeder
- Easy Pine Cone Bird Feeders for Toddlers and Preschoolers
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