Paper Fan Flag

An accordion-folded paper fan in red, white, and blue makes a cheerful handheld flag for a Fourth of July parade. Children fold, decorate with stars, and fan themselves on a hot summer day — practical and patriotic!

What You'll Need

• Red, white, and blue paper — three sheets per fan
• Star stickers — for decoration
• Tape or stapler — to bind the bottom
• Popsicle stick (optional) — for a handle

How to Do It

Step 1: Decorate. Children add star stickers to each sheet of paper before folding.

Step 2: Accordion fold. Fold each sheet back and forth in 1-inch folds. Stack the three folded sheets.

Step 3: Bind the bottom. Tape or staple all three folded sheets together at one end.

Step 4: Fan open. Fan the sheets open to create a full semicircular fan.

Step 5: Optional handle. Tape a popsicle stick to the bound end for easier holding.

🎓 Skills Your Child Will Develop

Accordion folding — A useful practical skill with many craft and math applications.

Pattern and flag symbolism — Connecting red, white, blue, and stars to the American flag.

Tips & Variations

• Stiffen with spray starch after assembly for a more structured fan.
• Make mini fans using half-sheets for decorative table fans.

My Two Cents

The folding is the only tricky step — demonstrate slowly, emphasizing that each fold goes in the OPPOSITE direction from the last. Most children get it after watching once.