Preschool Rose Parade Float

Preschoolers love the Rose Parade. Your preschooler can make his/her own Preschool Rose Parade Float from gift boxes left over from Christmas. All you need is a gift box, tissue paper, glue, 2 beads, and a string.

Materials You will Need

1 flat gift box, the kind with a separate top and bottom
6-inch squares of tissue paper in many colors
Glue
String
2  large wooden beads, at least ½ inch in diameter, for the end of the string
Hole punch

How to Make It

Step 1:
Lay the gift box on a protected surface.

Step 2:
Punch one hole in the end of the top and a matching hole in the bottom so that they line up.

Step 3:
Tie one bead to one end of the string.

Step 4:
Slip the string through both holes from the inside.

Step 5:
Fit the lid of the box on the bottom and tape it down all the way around.

Step 6:
Place the other bead on the string, slide it down to the box, and tie it so it doesn’t slip. This keeps the string from slipping back inside the box.

Step 7:
Roll the tissue paper into balls and glue them on the top and sides but not the bottom of the box.

Make it More Challenging

Suggestion 1:
If your preschooler wants to make a picture, s/he can draw it on white paper first and glue it to the top of the box. Then s/hejust follow the colors in the picture as a pattern for what colors of tissue paper to use.

Suggestion 2:
If the preschooler is ready to make a more detailed picture, the tissue paper squares can be cut smaller to make smaller balls.

Suggestion 3:
Some older preschoolers may want to add dimension by gluing a smaller box of any shape to the large gift box. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly before adding the tissue paper.

Suggestion 4:
If your preschooler is sophisticated enough to want wheels, s/he create them by using precut dowels and circles purchased at a craft store. Dowels should be long enough to go through the box from side to side and have room left over for a wheel. Or use this alternative method for making wheels.

Suggestion 5:
Use dried or artificial flowers instead of tissue paper.

Suggestion 6:
Save the wrapping paper from the gifts opened on Christmas morning to use instead or along with the tissue paper.

Helpful Tips for Parents

Tip 1:
The wooden beads help hold the string in place, but be careful to keep them away from children who are still in the everything-in-the-mouth stage. It your preschooler is still putting things in his/her mouth, you can use little squares of cardboard instead.

Tip 2:
Have the entire family and/or neighborhood friends make their own Preschool Rose Parade Floats and have your own mini Rose Parade either indoors or out as weather permits.

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