Paper chain Christmas countdown

How to make it

1. 

   1

   Draw the strips

   Draw lines across the paper every 1 in with a ruler.

2. 

   2

   Cut along the lines

   Have your child cut the strips. Straight lines are perfect cutting practice.

3. 

   3

   Count the days

   Count out 1 strip for each day left until Christmas. Alternate red and green.

4. 

   4

   Make the first loop

   Bend 1 strip into a circle and glue or tape the ends.

5. 

   5

   Link the chain

   Thread the next strip through the loop and close it. Repeat until they're all linked.

6. 

   6

   Hang it up

   Put the star on the last loop. Tear off 1 loop each morning.