We have all seen poinsettias in homes and stores during the Christmas season. But, did you know these pretty red plants can be creative teachers in and of themselves? From art to science and math, the poinsettia has interesting lessons to teach your students all year round. Here are 24 lesson ideas that will activate their inner artist, spark the budding storyteller, or plant the seeds of curiosity in a budding scientist.
1. How to Draw a Poinsettia for Beginners
Drawing is fun! But not everyone may think so. How can you help students who lack confidence in their drawing skills? Provide an easy step-by-step tutorial!
Once students become accustomed to the basic form, they can experiment with size, shape, and color to create unique works of poinsettia art.
Learn More: How to Draw for Kids
2. Poinsettia Flowers Art Lesson: Sponge & Watercolor
Sponges aren’t just for cleaning! Let’s make pretty poinsettias using sponges and watercolors. Artists of all ages will enjoy experimenting with colors and shapes using a simple sponge to create their unique poinsettia artwork.
Learn More: Leah Newton Art
3. Toilet Paper Roll Poinsettia
Don’t throw away the toilet paper rolls! Instead, turn them into pretty works of art. This is a budget-friendly way to have students create art while recycling! Watch the rolls transform from trash to poinsettias right before your eyes.
Learn more: Artists Helping Children
4. Coffee Filter Poinsettia
Arts and crafts are awesome because we can practically use any material to create works of art.
Coffee filters can awaken your students’ creativity to create charming poinsettias. Grab some filters and watch the poinsettias grow!
Learn More: Pinterest
5. Poinsettia Ornaments
You don’t have to wait for Christmas to make lovely poinsettia ornaments.
Decorate your classroom all year round with this easy poinsettia craft. Grab some colored paper and start folding!
Learn More: Artsy Momma
6. Fingerprint Poinsettias
Messy fingerprints on furniture or a mirror are not a welcome sight, but fingerprints will look amazing on your student’s poinsettia art! Students can use their ten fingers to create many colorful poinsettias. Just be sure to wash your hands afterward!
Learn more: Artists Helping Children
7. Drawing a Poinsettia
It’s easy to find poinsettia templates online, but students will take pride in creating their own drawings.
Once the basic technique is learned, students can experiment with lines and dimensions to make their drawings personalized and unique.
Learn More: Art Projects for Kids
8. Puffy Paper Poinsettias
Give the traditional flat paper poinsettia some volume with this creative project.
The beautiful result can be used to decorate your surroundings or even given as a gift. Grab some paper and see how easy it is to make!
Learn More: Guideposts
9. 3D Paper Poinsettia
Let’s make lively poinsettias that give the usual flat versions a pop of personality. Have students get creative with the size and color of their 3D poinsettias with this fun craft. You can grow gardens of gorgeous paper flowers that will last all year round!
Learn more: OCPublicLibraries
10. Ribbon Poinsettias
Take your poinsettia craft to the next level with pretty ribbons. Decorate a gift, storage container, and just about anything else you have lying around with a ribbon poinsettia.
The color choices, sizes, and shapes are endless! What will your students create?
Learn more: Just That Perfect Piece
11. Mixed Media Poinsettia in a Pot
Would you like to have a plant that requires no maintenance and water? Have students “grow” a mixed media poinsettia. They will learn about symmetry while they plant creative seeds in their art.
Learn More: Deep Space Sparkle
12. Paper Plate Poinsettia
Almost anything in your home can be turned into art- even paper plates!
Have students take your paper plates and transform them into whimsical and colorful poinsettias. You won’t be able to eat off these plates but you sure will have something pretty to look at!
Learn More: Pinterest
13. Storytelling with Poinsettias
Have you heard about the legend of the poinsettia?
The origin of the poinsettia is poignantly told in a Mexican legend. Students activate their creative storytelling by making their own version of the poinsettia legend.
Learn More: Stories by Storie
14. Textured Paper Poinsettia
Art doesn’t have to be perfect. Teach your students to love their perfectly imperfect creations with this poinsettia craft using textured paper.
Students will tear paper into random shapes and then turn the abstract strips into a work of art.
Learn More: Education.com
15. Once Upon a Poinsettia
Reading becomes enjoyable when students learn about symbolism, culture, and the origin of the poinsettia. Peak students’ curiosity by introducing them to the legend of the poinsettia!
Learn More: Lesson Planet
16. Poinsettia Fan Craft
Hand-held fans are part of many cultures including Mexico. What do poinsettias have to do with hand-held fans and Mexico?
This is an essential question you can ask students before you begin this culture-centered lesson that ends with students making beautiful poinsettia fans!
Learn More: First-School.ws
17. The Moral of the Poinsettia
Creativity doesn’t just come through when making art. Writing is also an amazing creative outlet!
The legend of the poinsettia teaches a valuable lesson that can be applied to everyday life. Students will become creative storytellers while reflecting on what is right and wrong with this thoughtful lesson.
Learn More: Sandy Cangelosi
18. Teaching Science Using Poinsettias
Poinsettias are associated with Christmas, not science right? Not true. This is a fun activity where poinsettias teach students about science. Students will gain a new perspective on the poinsettia by learning about the plant and what they need to grow.
Learn More: Twiggle Magazine
19. Teaching Math Using Poinsettias
Are your students excited about math? They will be if you use this drawing activity!
Students will learn about symmetry while drawing the other half of a poinsettia in this math-focused drawing task.
Learn More: Twinkl
20. Roll and Draw
Who knew poinsettias could be the object of a fun game?
Drawing is usually an autonomous activity but with this game, students can work in pairs or groups. Have fun with this low-prep and interactive game where everyone wins and draws as they play!
Learn More: Teach Simple
21. The PH of Poinsettias
Acids and bases are not words we typically associate with poinsettias.
What do acidic and basic have to do with this fascinating plant? Find out with this curiously creative activity!
Learn More: Teach Beside Me
22. The Chemistry of Poinsettias
Have you ever wondered what makes poinsettia red? Did you know that poinsettia color can vary? Activate curiosity and an exploration into science by having students analyze the poinsettia.
Learn More: Compound Interest
23. Poinsettia Pop-Up Card
Who doesn’t like receiving a card?
Learn how to make a wonderfully creative pop-up poinsettia card that will brighten anyone’s day. Students can practice their writing skills while showing off their creative talents.
Learn More: A Piece of Rainbow
24. Meaning of a Poinsettia in Different Countries
What does the poinsettia symbolize in different countries?
This lesson will explore the origins, meaning, and symbolism of this festive flower. Inspire your students to create a symbolic flower to represent friendship, love, kindness, etc.
Learn More: Snapblooms
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