Paper Plate Santa Craft for Au Pairs and Host Family Kids
The paper plate Santa craft is a simple, festive activity that Au Pairs can enjoy with host family children during the Christmas season. It requires only a few basic materials, is suitable for different age groups, and creates a decoration children are proud to display. This craft works especially well on cold winter afternoons, during Advent weekends, or at a small Christmas get together at home or school.
For Au Pairs, this activity is more than just crafting. It is an opportunity to bond with the children, practice clear instructions, encourage creativity, and talk about Christmas traditions in Germany and around the world.
How to Make a Paper Plate Santa
This guide includes step-by-step instructions for Au Pairs and children, along with helpful links to purchase the materials. Please note: as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
• Large paper plate
• Paint for Santa’s face
• Red glitter paper or red cardstock
• Glue such as tacky glue or hot glue with adult supervision
1. Paint the paper plate
Let the children paint the entire paper plate using a skin tone color for Santa’s face. Place it aside and allow it to dry completely.
2. Create Santa’s hat
Cut a large triangle from the red glitter paper or cardstock. Glue it to the top of the paper plate so it looks like Santa’s hat.
3. Add the hat pom pom
Glue the large white pom pom to the top point of the hat.
4. Make the hat brim
Glue cotton balls along the bottom edge of the hat to create a fluffy brim.
5. Create Santa’s beard
Glue cotton balls around the lower half of the paper plate to form Santa’s beard. Children can decide how full and fluffy they want it to be.
6. Add the eyes
Glue the googly eyes onto the paper plate above the beard. Glue the red pom pom in the center for Santa’s nose.
Ideas for Using the Finished Santa
Once you finish crafting your Santa, there are countless ways to enjoy and share them during the Christmas season. These tiny handmade treasures brighten homes, bring joy to children, and make thoughtful gifts. Here are ten delightful ideas:
1. Hang it on a door or wall as a Christmas decoration
Display the finished Santa on a bedroom door, classroom wall, or hallway to instantly add a festive touch. It gives children a sense of pride seeing their own artwork become part of the holiday decorations.
2. Add a stick or string to turn it into a puppet
Attach a wooden stick or a piece of string to transform the Santa into a simple puppet. This encourages imaginative play and keeps children engaged long after the craft activity is finished.
3. Use it as part of a Christmas storytelling activity
The Santa craft can be used as a visual prop while telling Christmas stories or creating new ones together. This supports language development, listening skills, and creativity in a playful way.
4. Let each child personalize their Santa and talk about it
Allow children to choose how fluffy the beard is or where to place the details. Afterwards, invite them to explain their design, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and self expression.
Why This Craft Is Ideal for Au Pairs
• Easy to prepare with affordable materials.
• Suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, and school aged children.
• Encourages fine motor skills and creativity.
• Can be used as decoration or turned into a puppet for play.
• Creates a relaxed setting for conversation and cultural exchange.
Want to become an Au Pair in Germany?
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• Do not charge Au Pairs any fees
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