Decorate for Independence Day: How to Draw a 5 Pointed Star
Inspired Art project from the book The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia A. Pingry
For ages 6 and up independently or younger with help.
Materials: regular 8.5x11” white printer paper or red, white and blue construction paper, a pencil, ruler, scissors and glue. If using only white paper, you may want red and blue markers, colored pencils or crayons to color or decorate your stars.
Step 1: Choose a piece of paper and fold it in half, then in half again, then once more. This should give you 8 boxes. In each box we will draw 1 star. If you would rather make larger stars, only fold twice so you will have 4 boxes.
Step 2: Start by drawing a capital letter A in the first box. Make it large enough to fill the space.
Step 3: Extend the horizontal line of the A so that it looks like it has arms going straight out. Just imagine the hands on your star. No need to draw them. Use the ruler if you have trouble making straight lines,
Step 4: Pretend the bottom of the A are feet, again no need to draw them. Like you do when performing a windmill exercise, you are going to draw a line from each hand to the opposite foot. Use that ruler if you have trouble making straight lines.
Step 5: Draw as many stars as you wish and cut them out.
Now that you have your stars, use your imagination to create decorations for your house. Here are a few ideas I thought of.
Create an American flag out of paper. Maybe the colonial flag with just 13 stars.
Make a wreath. Cut the center out of a paper plate and then glue your stars around the edge.
Fold some bunting. Fold a full sheet of paper accordion style. Staple one end to look like a fan. Turn it upside down and cover it with stars.
Finally, enjoy America's 250th birthday with your family and friends. Happy Crafting!
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As your child explores, chooses, and creates, confidence begins to take root. They discover that their ideas matter, that challenges can be worked through, and that they are capable of figuring things out. This is a place where independence is nurtured, creativity feels easy and open-ended, and every child leaves feeling more sure of themselves than when they arrived.
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