Students at Northwest Elementary learned that seven cylinders and one sphere are key elements to building a reindeer.  This week, Mr. Billy Taylor’s pre-k/kindergarten class constructed reindeer out of various parts of oak trees and a few craft supplies.

“The lesson is really fun for the kids,” said Mr. Taylor.  He spends about six hours getting ready for the project, cutting trees on his land in northern Brown County, drilling holes and preparing the parts for the reindeer.

The craft project reinforces math concepts the students have been learning about shapes.  “The students can make something that they can keep, plus it helps them remember the concepts better,” said Mr. Taylor.

The reindeer body is made of Post Oak branches cut into cylinders.  The antlers and tail are Spanish Oak or Live Oak branches, and Burr Oak acorns make the toboggan for the head.

Craft supplies, like google eyes and a fuzzy ball nose (the shape of a sphere) add the final touches.

In addition to reinforcing math vocabulary, students practice counting and spelling as Mr. Taylor gives the students instructions to count and spell while working on the project.

Pictured above are:  Lyric Shaw, Analisa Ramirez, Warin Stubblefield and Arysson Turner glue their cylinders together with Mr. Taylor assisting.

Pictured below:  Alexis Santacruz stands with his completed reindeer.

Photos contributed.