SUBJECT: Art/Religion
GRADE LEVEL(s): 3rd-6th

OBJECTIVE:
To create a symbol that helps us think of Jesus and reminds us we are Christian.
To learn to follow directions.

TIME: One class period-a minimum of 35 minutes

TEACHER MATERIAL(S): Kids Explore America’s Catholic Heritage pgs. 164-165

MATERIALS (per cross):
One plastic cross-stitch canvas (about 3” by 3”)
One length of 1/8 inch wide ribbon, 3.4 yards long
3 stacking beads

ACTIVITIES:
Share background information from Kid’s Explore pg. 164.
Draw a cross like the diagram with a washable marker on cross-stitch plastic canvas and cut it out.
You will start weaving in the center of the cross.
Follow the numbers on the vertical arms first.
Go up through the center top hole leaving some ribbon about the size of your pinkie on the bottom side of the canvas.
Go directly to the center bottom and pull the ribbon through.
Go to the top of the cross, hole #2, and pull the ribbon up through the hole.
Go down diagonally to hole #3 and pull the ribbon through.
Go up diagonally to hole #4 and pull the ribbon up through the hole.
Continue following the diagram for the vertical arms until you have pulled the ribbon through hole #12 on the vertical arm.
From hole #12 on the vertical arms, go to hole #1 on the horizontal arms.
When you have finished pulling the ribbon through hole#12 on the horizontal arms, secure the ribbon in the center of the cross by making an X with the ribbon.
Finish the X with the ribbon on the bottom of the cross.
Pull the ribbon up through hole #2 on the vertical arms.
Tie two beads on the end of the ribbon and double knot them neatly.

EXTENSION (S): The ribbon cross can be used as a bookmark, a decoration, or to give to a Friend. You can even keep the ribbon cross in your pocket as a reminder that Jesus is always with you.

NOTES: Cutting out the crosses is a good job for a parent volunteer. Have them place all the supplies a child needs in a baggie and start with step 3.