Grade 1 Creative Arts Drawing and decoration – Paper craft Notes

• Use paper to make simple shapes and decorations.
• Practice cutting, folding and sticking safely.
• Use colours and patterns (like Kenyan flag colours) to decorate.
• Follow simple steps and show their work to the class.

• Old newspapers, scrap paper, or plain A4 paper
• Child-safe scissors and school glue or paste
• Crayons, colour pencils, or markers
• String, beads, buttons (optional)
• Ruler (for adult use) and pencil

fold, cut, stick, decorate, colour, pattern

Easy folding to practise following steps.

1. Take a rectangular paper (newspaper works well).
2. Fold it in half lengthwise, then open it back.
3. Fold the two top corners to the middle fold to make a triangle.
4. Fold the bottom strips up on both sides.
5. Open the triangle into a square, then fold again to make the boat shape.
6. Decorate with colours — try the Kenyan flag colours: black, red, green and a thin white line.

Make a mask of an animal you like (lion, elephant, giraffe).

1. Fold a paper in half and draw half of the face at the folded edge.
2. Cut along the drawing and open — you have a whole face.
3. Colour the face and stick paper ears or horns.
4. Ask an adult to make two small holes on the sides and tie string.

Fold A4 in half. Draw a picture and write a short message.

• Make a flower or a house on the front.
• Use coloured paper shapes (stick a green leaf, red heart).
• Write: "Asante" or "Happy (day)" inside — short and sweet.

Make a chain to decorate the classroom.

1. Cut paper into long strips (about 2 cm wide).
2. Make a loop with one strip and glue the ends.
3. Thread the next strip through the loop and glue to make a chain.
4. Use flag colours or patterns — make it bright.

• Always use child-safe scissors. Cut with the tip down.
• Teachers or parents must help with cutting and making holes.
• Use small amounts of glue and keep it away from eyes and mouth.
• Keep the working area clean and pick up scraps to avoid slipping.

• Can the child follow the folding or cutting steps?
• Can they choose colours and decorate neatly?
• Do they share materials and clean up afterwards?

Make one paper craft at home. Bring it to class and say one sentence about it (e.g., "I made a green boat").

• Use examples from Kenya: acacia tree leaves, elephants, giraffes, or the flag colours to make learning local.
• Show one step at a time. Demonstrate slowly and let children copy.
• Celebrate every child's work — hang them on the wall for pride.