Creating hand-painted Chinese lanterns is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Chinese culture with your toddler.
Lanterns symbolise light and joy, often used during festivals to bring good luck and prosperity.
This activity lets your little one explore their creativity while practising fine motor skills through folding, cutting, and decorating.
It’s a wonderful bonding experience that brings ancient traditions to life colourfully and engagingly.
Materials Needed
- Red paper (or any colour of choice)
- Markers, glitter glue, or stickers for decoration
- Scissors
- Ruler and pencil
- Glue or tape
- Clothes pegs (optional to secure pieces while drying)
Step 1: Fold the Paper
Start with a sheet of red paper to symbolise good luck. Help your toddler fold the paper lengthwise, creating a neat crease in the middle. This forms the base structure for the lantern.
Step 2: Draw Cutting Lines
With the paper still folded, use a ruler and pencil to draw straight lines spaced about one inch apart, starting from the folded edge. Stop drawing about an inch from the open edge to leave room for attaching the lantern later.
Step 3: Cut Along the Lines
Assist your toddler in cutting along the drawn lines. Ensure they stop cutting before reaching the open edge. If they’re too young to handle scissors safely, do this part yourself while they watch and learn.
Step 4: Open and Form the Lantern
Unfold the paper to reveal the cuts. Curve the paper into a cylinder, bringing the two shorter edges together. Secure these edges with glue or tape. Use clothes pegs to hold the paper while the glue dries, ensuring a strong bond.
Step 5: Add Decorations
Let your toddler decorate the lantern using markers, glitter glue, or stickers. Please encourage them to create patterns, draw Chinese symbols, or add fun shapes for a personal touch. This step helps them develop creativity and fine motor skills.
Step 6: Shape and Add a Handle
Cut a strip of paper about 1 inch wide from a leftover piece to complete the lantern. Attach this strip to the top of the lantern using glue or tape as a handle. Secure it firmly so the lantern can be hung or carried easily.
Step 7: Enjoy the Moment
Hang the finished lanterns around your home or your child’s play area. Use this time to share stories about Chinese culture and the tradition of lanterns during festivals. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate creativity and learn together.
