1. If you do not care to buy the regular kindergarten weaving mats, you may use smooth gray or brown wrapping paper cut into four-inch squares. In such a square cut two slits ½ inch apart and one inch long. From some pretty paper cut a strip one inch wide and two inches long and insert in the slit in the mat, pasting the ends of the strip to the under side of the mat.
2. Cut three or four slits in similar mats and weave into them one-inch or half-inch strips, using narrower ones as the child gains skill. Weave such a strip under one and over one; then weave another, under two and over two, etc.; thus a variety of effects may be produced and the child meanwhile has practice incidentally in simple counting. Such a mat may be used to cover a glass of drinking water or medicine glass.
3. A larger mat may be made of pretty paper cut into comparatively fine slits. Paste upon this mat a square of smooth paper as a kind of lining; fold cornerwise and paste two edges together, making a kind of cornucopia.
4. Scent-Bag. A scent-bag may be made by putting between the mat and the lining described above a thin piece of cotton-batting, sprinkled with scent.
5. Oilcloth or Felt. Instead of paper, mats may be woven of plain oilcloth or of felt. Have two colors of each material, one for the mat and one for the strips.
On a 5-inch square of the material draw four parallel lines one inch apart and one inch from the top and bottom. Then using these as guide lines, cut four slits and weave in and out as with the paper weaving. Ribbon may be used for the woof if desired. Such a mat may be used for a lamp-mat or for a flower-pot mat.
Among the reasons for discarding the paper-weaving are the following: The colors are somewhat intense, and it is not always easy to secure good harmonies; the care necessary to avoid tearing the delicate paper and soiling the delicate colors is often a trial to highly-strung children. Therefore they should not work at it too long at a time. A weaving needle comes with the kindergarten weaving papers.
Paper-Folding
We give here only a very few of the innumerable forms which may be made by folding paper according to exact directions. Mother may conduct such a little play while she is sewing and the child is on the floor or at the table. But directions must be exact and explicit. After once having told what to do in quiet, distinct, clear language, do not repeat. Train the child to hear accurately the first time.
Papers in many tones may be obtained from the kindergarten supply stores, but any exact square of white paper or of smooth brown wrapping paper will do.