francene--blog. Year 2013
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Dec 12th 

12/12/2013

 
Picturealittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.com
I guess not many people alive today remember the old ways of using ordinary newspaper for Christmas decorations nowadays. Remember paper chains?

My sisters and I used to make chains in the 1940s. We used different strips of paper overlapped and glued together. We used to have competitions to see who could make the longest chain. Being a neat child, I loved doing this because it absorbed me. The peeling linoleum on the floor didn't matter—everyone lived with that in our area during those austere times. It was Christmas. We three girls were excited, even though we had no expectation of fancy toys. We might find a packet of sweets or licorice in our stocking and maybe a Girls Annual from our Grandmother.


Picturewww.clker.com
To make a more challenging string of figures, you use the longest section of the newspaper and cut it across into a 3 inch strip. Fold it concertina style to form squares, so that, when you lift the front section, the rest follows upward. Now, draw your design using at least one joining section—like hands clasped on a string of little men, women or dolls. The hands stretch to the side of the top piece of paper. Cut around your design and open it out.

Not only does creating the decoration give satisfaction, but children can join in and use their brain to perfect the skill. It cost nothing, and unites the family.


Windy Johansen link
12/11/2013 06:59:22 pm

I remember making paper chains! :D They're awesome.

Francene Stanley link
12/11/2013 10:01:30 pm

Yay! Happy days of concentration, with nothing on your mind but getting the chain finished.

Sophie Bowns link
12/11/2013 07:16:30 pm

We used to make paper chains at primary school and Brownies. I suppose they are becoming a thing of the past now!

Francene Stanley link
12/11/2013 10:02:44 pm

I'm glad I reminded you of your days of youth. We didn't appreciate them until the cares of the world caught up with us.

Karin Copperwood link
12/11/2013 08:45:36 pm

I make paper chains in my classroom for the month of November. Each day students write something they are thankful for and add it to the chain. By Thanksgiving time we have it running completely around the classroom.

Francene Stanley link
12/11/2013 10:03:48 pm

What a fantastic activity, Karin. I'll bet the children will take that memory into adulthood.

Alana link
12/12/2013 07:33:49 am

I didn't make them but I sure do remember seeing them. I remember making chains using chewing gum wrappers.


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    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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