Apple Sun Catcher Lesson PlanApple Sun Catchers Activity Facilitation Guide 60 Minutes Afterschool Leaders The "Why" In this lesson, students will create colorful apple-shaped sun catchers using tissue paper and clear contact paper. This activity allows them to explore color mixing and light while creating beautiful autumn-themed decorations. The lesson encourages creativity and provides a relaxing, enjoyable art experience. Learning Objectives Create an apple-themed autumn art piece using varied textures. Understand how light interacts with translucent materials. Develop fine motor skills through tracing, cutting, and tearing. Supplies Clear contact paper Tissue paper (red, yellow, green) Apple-shaped templates Scissors & Markers Hole punch String or yarn for hanging Note: Pre-cut tissue paper into small squares for younger students to save time. Step-by-Step Instructions 10 min Intro Welcome & Launch Welcome students and explain the activity: creating apple-shaped sun catchers. Discuss the significance of apples in autumn (harvest season). Ask: "How do sun catchers brighten up a room?" Show completed examples to inspire different patterns and color mixing. 10 min Prep Gathering Materials Distribute clear contact paper and tissue paper. Provide scissors, markers, and apple templates. Safety Check: Remind students how to safely handle and pass scissors. 30 min Art Construction Phase Trace: Use markers to trace apple shapes onto the contact paper. Cut: Carefully cut out the apple shapes. Tear: Rip or cut tissue paper into small bits. (Mixing colors is encouraged!) Apply: Peel backing off contact paper. Place tissue paper on the sticky side. Seal: Cover the design with a second piece of contact paper to sandwich the tissue paper. Finish: Punch a hole at the top and thread yarn through for hanging. 10 min Reflect Gallery Walk & Wrap-up Have students share their sun catchers with the group. Discussion Prompts: What was the most challenging part of the process? What happens when two different colors of tissue paper overlap? Where is the best place to hang these to catch the most light?
Apple Sun Catcher Templates WorksheetApple Templates Trace, Sketch, and Create! Name: Date: How to use this page Use these templates to trace apple shapes onto your clear contact paper. You can also use the sketch area below to plan out your color patterns before you start sticking! Large Template Trace around the outer edge Medium Template Small Template My Design Sketch Think about the colors and patterns you want to use. Will your apple be solid red, or a mix of yellow and green?
Apple Sun Catcher Reflection WorksheetProject Reflection Apple Sun Catchers Student Name: Date: Now that your sun catcher is complete, take a moment to think about the work you did today. Share your thoughts with the group and record your favorite parts below. What did you enjoy most about making your sun catcher? Think about the colors you chose, the patterns you made, or the way the materials felt. What was the most challenging part of the activity? Was it the cutting, peeling the contact paper, or arranging the tiny pieces of tissue? How does the light interact with your sun catcher? Hold your work up to a window. What do you observe about the colors when light passes through them? Color Mixing Observation In the box below, draw what happened when two different colors of tissue paper overlapped.
