DIY Christmas Countdown Advent Candle Activity Resource

What’s included?

This download includes x2 pdf sheets. x1 portrait orientation pdf to make an ‘Christmas Countdown - Advent Calendar Candle’ and x1 landscape orientation pdf which includes some photos and top tips to assist with making the countdown.

What’s it for?

This resource is a hands-on, interactive way to count down the days until Christmas!

• Interactive Countdown: Use as an individual, group, or whole class activity to track the days from the 1st to Christmas Eve (24th).

• Daily Discoveries: Behind each numbered flap (1st to 24th) is a fun Christmas themed image and related key words for reading practice.

• Skill Building: Designed to be assembled with/by an adult, promoting valuable listening and following instructions skills.

• Ideal for: Home schooling, classroom display, or a family festive activity.

Who’s it for?

This adaptable resource is designed for various learners, making it perfect for:

• Early Years (EYFS): A fun, visually engaging introduction to numbers and the concept of time.

• Key Stage 1 Pupils: Ideal for children in Years 1 and 2 to practise number recognition and early reading skills.

• SEND/ALN: Suitable for older students with additional learning needs due to the simple structure and visual cues.

• Paired/Group Work: Excellent for peer mentoring, where an older or more able student can lead the making process for a younger learner.

Resource Details

What's Included & How to Make It

This is a complete Resource: All components required for the finished Advent Candle Countdown Calendar are contained within the PDF file.

• Clear Instructions: The PDF includes six main, easy-to-follow instructions, plus additional detailed information placed next to the relevant parts.

• Core Task: The main steps involve cutting along the red dotted lines to create the candle shape and separating the numbered flaps that hide the daily image and words.

• Numbering Options: Pre-printed numbers are provided to stick onto the flaps, or learners can choose to hand-write the numbers (1st to 24th) for personalisation.

Materials Needed (Per Calendar)

To assemble one Advent Candle Calendar, learners will require:

• Pencil: For writing their name (to avoid multiple advent candles becoming mixed up!)

• Pair of Scissors: For cutting out the candle components, including along the flaps.

• Glue Stick: For assembling the candle shape and attaching numbers (if required).

• Blu Tack: A small ball (the size of a small marble) is needed. This will be divided into 24 tiny pieces, which are used to temporarily seal the flaps shut until it is the date to be opened.

Top Tips for Making and Assembly

• Read First: Please read the six assembly steps carefully before you begin cutting and sticking. This will make the entire process easier and more efficient. This pdf will need to be printed onto white card or it won’t be strong enough to stand up by itself.

• Choose the Right Paper: For the best results, print the PDF onto white card (or thick paper) to ensure the finished candle is strong enough to stand upright on its own.

• Adhesive Choice: You can use either a glue stick or double-sided sticky tape to secure the candle shape. Many find the tape offers a stronger, cleaner hold.

• Application Area: Apply your chosen adhesive only to the single purple strip positioned vertically along the right-hand edge of the printed PDF.

Important message…

Any issues please let us know - we are happy to make changes.