Combine science and art in a hands-on STEAM activity for preschoolers. The colorful pompoms in this Christmas activity provide lots of different ways for kids to build and create.
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This activity combines a popular craft item, pompoms, with an everyday recyclable, bottle caps. Both items are easy to collect, easy for little hands to engage with, and perfect for inspiring kids play ideas.
The different colors, shapes, and textures of the activity support kids early development skills as they play. – math, fine motor, sensory.
- Math – counting bottle caps and sorting colors
- Fine motor – filling bottle tops with pompoms
- Sensory – experiencing different textures
Traditional signs of the season are Christmas trees, candy canes, wreaths, and more. Kids can create these and other unique designs with this bottle caps and pompoms play idea.
Pompoms and bottle caps STEAM activity
STEAM is a method of integrating science and art in hands-on activities. It’s really STEM with Art added as a valuable component of the play.
STEAM = Science + Technology + Engineering + Art + Math
Principles of STEAM are evident (often unintentionally!) in many of the crafts and activities we set up for kids, as well as in their independent play.
- Kids plan like engineers when they build with blocks. They create like artists when they explore colors with a fizzy experiment.
This STEAM activity with a Christmas theme is easy to set up with pompoms and bottle caps.
Supplies for a bottle cap and pompom activity
- bottle caps
- tweezers or grasping tool (tongs)
- sheet of craft foam
Instructions for a bottle cap activity
Christmas tree
1. Set up the activity
A craft tray made from a box lid is an easy way to transport supplies to the work area.
The tray can then be used as a defined work space for the activity.
Line the bottom of the tray with felt or a sheet of craft foam. This provides a nice surface to work on and helps prevent the bottle caps from sliding around.
2. Place the bottle caps on the tray.
Arrange bottle caps on the tray to create designs or patterns. In the photo above, the bottle caps form a pyramid that resembles a Christmas tree.
3. Place pompoms in the bottle caps.
Use fingers or a grasping tool (tongs) to pick up pompoms.
You can use 1 large pompom or 2 -3 small pompoms to fill each bottle cap.
More ideas for building with pompoms and bottle caps.
Christmas tree with lights and a glittering topper!
Christmas wreath with a red bow!
Candy cane!
Letter J!
Fun with bottle caps and pompoms
This simple activity is fun for toddlers and preschoolers. Be sure to provide different colors and sizes of pompoms and bottle caps so kids can have choices.
Counting and designing with these everyday materials prompts the important hands-on interaction that supports developmental skills.
Inspire child-led play with simple ideas like this STEAM activity. Imagine what you can create with bottle caps and pompoms!
How STEAM is evident in this activity
STEAM: Science + Technology + Engineering + Art + Math
Technology: using tweezers or tongs
Engineering: planning and building with bottle caps
Art: choosing pompom colors
Math: counting caps and pompoms; identifying shapes and patterns
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Exciting activities for a merry and bright holiday season!
Visit our Christmas Pinterest board for more crafts and activities.