Stained Glass Numerals

A few weeks ago I was thinking that while Linus and Veda were doing great with identifying letters and counting, they could use some work in numeral recognition. We needed something fun that would draw their attention, and making something we could display would be a great way to continue reviewing. My answer? Stained Glass Numerals.

What You'll Need

• Black construction paper or poster board
• A white crayon
• An Exacto-type blade (or scissors, but a cutting blade is easier)
• A cutting mat (not necessary for those using scissors)
• Sheets of gift wrap tissue 
• Craft glue
• Scissors
• Scotch tape

How to Make It

NOTE: Only plan on making 1-2 of these per day to maximize attention given to each numeral and to keep interest in the project high.

1. Draw the numerals with the white crayon on the black paper. Be sure to keep the numerals nice and wide.

2. When the kids are taking a nap or otherwise occupied elsewhere, use the cutting blade to cut out freehand shapes in the numerals, being sure to leave enough room between holes for strips of glue. 

3. Tear the tissue paper into manageable pieces with the kids.

4. Apply a thin strip of glue around each hole and let the kids cover the holes with tissue paper pieces. By the way, single color or multiple colors of tissue paper per numeral - it doesn't matter. Either way looks great.

 

5. Leave the project to dry.
6. When the project is completely dry, cut out the numeral along the white crayon outline, thus also cutting off tissue paper excess.
7. Tape to window.
8. Admire.