Paper Plate Uncle Sam

History & Social Studies
Sensory Play
Kindergarten
Grades 6-8
Grades 4-5
Grades 1-3

He chooses YOU! Craft up an adorable paper plate Uncle Sam to celebrate all the patriotic holidays!

Materials

Download Template

Instructions

Step 1. Gather your supplies.

Step 2

Step 2

Paint a peach circle at the top center of the paper plate. This will be Uncle Sam's face.

Step 3

Step 3

Stamp a pink dot using a sponge dabber on each side of his face to represent rosy cheeks.

Step 4

Step 4

Glue a pink pom in the middle and slightly above the pink dots.

Step 5

Step 5

Glue on (2) 25mm wiggly eyes and draw a smile.

Step 6

Step 6

Begin gluing white poms of various sizes to fill in his beard.

Step 7

Step 7

Complete his bead and add pom hair as well.

Step 8

Step 8

Download, print and cut out the provided template. To download the template, click the red PDF button above.

Step 9

Step 9

Paint the hat and bow tie red and blue.

Step 10

Step 10

Glue the rim of the hat to the top of the hat, as shown. Add glitter foam star stickers.

Step 11

Step 11

Glue the hat and bow tie to Uncle Sam.

Teacher's Corner

We want YOU to explore the history of Uncle Sam with this recycled, sensory craft!

Lesson Objectives

Sensory Freedom: The poms used to create Uncle Sam’s soft hair, beard, and nose. What other materials can your students use to add fun texture? Try sprinkling glitter on his rosy cheeks or tracing the template on foam instead of paper!
Symbols of the States: The personification of Uncle Sam gave the United States government a character to use in World War I recruitment campaigns; however, Uncle Sam has been referenced since the War of 1812. Explore the 200-year history of Uncle Sam with your class — do your students know any other icons that represent the U.S.A.?

Follow-up Discussion

James Montgomery Flagg is the artist behind the infamous “I Want You” poster that features Uncle Sam. As a symbol of patriotism, Flagg used red, white, and blue to represent the U.S. government and grab citizens’ attention. Ask your students to create their own slogans to go along with the craft — how creative can they get?