Carp Streamer
Design and decorate a symbolic carp streamer in the Japanese tradition of Kodomonohi (Children's Day).
1. Research information about Children's Day, which is celebrated each year on May 5 in Japan. Large carp streamers are typically displayed outdoors by families with boys to symbolize their strength, determination, and success. Find out what symbols families display indoors, when a festival for girls is held, and how the arts are incorporated into these children's festivals.
2. To make your own carp streamer, sketch a carp on large white construction paper with Crayola® Colored Pencils. Cut out the fish with Crayola Scissors.
3. Color several coffee filters with Crayola Washable Markers. Spread filters out on recycled newspaper.
4. Spritz colored coffee filters with a spray bottle filled with water. The colors run to create an effect of shimmery fish scales. Dry.
5. Cut filters into pie-shaped pieces. Layer the pieces like fish scales on the construction paper carp. Attach the scales with Crayola Glue Sticks.
6. Draw and color the fish's mouth and eyes with markers. Attach colored ribbon to carp streamer and hang from tree branch or near a window so it can catch the breeze.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.
- Invite someone in the community who is a native speaker of Japanese to talk with your class. Find out about other Japanese holidays and terms such as "saijitsu" which means national holiday, and "matsuri" which means festival. Learn other words in the Japanese language and practice writing and speaking them.
- Research the symbolic meanings of fish in different cultures. For example, in Japan a carp symbolizes a strong fish because it swims against the stream. Choose a fish that represents your personal qualities and construct a streamer or sculpture.
- Research different types of fish found in various regions and types of water. Why do some fish thrive in salt water, while others live in fresh water? Why are water temperature and light important factors for sea life? Why is it important to protect natural habitats for fish and other marine life?
- Younger children and special needs students can tear colored coffee filters into pieces about the size of an egg, then attach to carp streamer cut-out with glue sticks.
Solve a Sudoku
My Favorite Colors Book
Scrolling Along
