Intro
This activity gives children an opportunity to express themselves creatively while sparking
discussion about their friends! This activity is easy to scale for children at all ages, and
provides exceptional fine motor practice, a creative outlet and a self-esteem boost.
Set Up Ideas
Provide materials to decorate the paper dolls that are appropriate for your children.
Crayons are a great choice for very young children, while older children may enjoy using
markers and various collage materials.
Let’s Get Started
You only need a few supplies for this activity, but feel free to experiment with a variety of
materials! You'll need construction paper and scissors to get started. From there, you may
also wish to use markers, crayons, wiggly eyes, collage items and glue sticks.
Tips and Tricks
Younger children may need a little guidance in drawing or cutting their paper dolls in
order to make a chain. If they cut the edge so that the figures do not form a chain, you
may wish to help them tape or glue their dolls together.
Follow up Activity
After they've created their representations of their friends, have the children discuss who
the characters are and how they know each other. This is a great activity for social
awareness and self-esteem.
This activity is a great chance for children to talk about their friends. Ask them about
their friends, how they met and what kinds of activities they like to do together. Have
they been to each other's houses? Do they know each other from school?
Steps:
- The first thing you’ll want to do is make a chain of paper dolls. Begin by folding a sheep of
paper accordion style. - On the top piece of the paper, draw the shape of a person with the arms and feet
extending all the way to the edges. - Cut the folded paper along the outline you’ve created, then unfold the accordion to reveal
your chain of people. - Decorate each paper doll to look like a friend. You may use crayons, markers, construction
paper, tissue paper or other collage materials to add facial features and clothing.