Perfect Poinsettias!

This Wednesday, December 12, is National Poinsettia Day! The poinsettia is an indigenous plant of Mexico and is known for its red and green leaves. It was introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States minister to Mexico. In Spanish, the plant is called flor de Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve Flower and in English we call it the poinsettia, named for Mr. Poinsett. Due to its star shape and festive colors it has become a Christmas decorating favorite!

Check out this simple poinsettia craft that gives students a fine-motor workout! Cluster the finished projects on a bulletin board for a festive display.

Supplies:

• pink and green construction paper
• small yellow or gold pom-poms
• small white paper plate
• glue

Steps:

1. Tear 12 to 15 petals from the pink paper.
2. Glue a layer of petals onto the plate to form a flower.
3. Tear four or five leaves from the green paper.
4. Glue the leaves among the petals.
5. Glue another layer of petals onto the plate.
6. Glue several yellow pom-poms in the middle of the flower. Allow the glue to dry.