The Plain Strip

Ages 6-9

Nissim's ribbon reaches only halfway around his paper crown.

Beside him, his friend has a ribbon all the way around.

Nissim stretches the loose end. The crown bends.

He puts it flat on the floor.

There is no more ribbon in the little basket. Only plain paper strips.

Nissim takes one strip and puts it beside the ribbon. It reaches the rest of the way.

"That isn't shiny," his friend says.

Nissim looks at the crown. The ribbon covers its front. The plain strip will cover the back.

He fastens the strip where the ribbon ends.

The first join sticks up. Nissim presses it down and adds another small piece of tape.

He puts on the crown.

His friend walks around him to look.

Nissim leaves it on. At the front, the ribbon shines. Behind his head, the plain paper holds the circle closed.