Making Dreidel Paper Models with Kids: A Fun Hanukkah Craft

Hanukkah is the perfect time to bring families together with meaningful crafts, and making paper dreidels is a wonderful way to combine creativity with cultural learning. Whether you're looking for a rainy-day activity or a classroom project, this simple craft keeps children aged 8–11 engaged while teaching them about this beloved Jewish tradition.

Why Make Paper Dreidels?

A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top used during Hanukkah, and each side bears a Hebrew letter. Making one from paper helps children understand the symbolism behind the game while developing fine motor skills and patience. Plus, once they've finished crafting, they can actually play with their creations—turning the project into hours of entertainment.

What You'll Need

• Printable dreidel template (or coloured card stock)
• Scissors
• Glue stick or craft glue
• Colouring pencils, markers, or crayons
• A wooden skewer, pencil, or toothpick for the spindle
• Optional: stickers, glitter, or metallic pens for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Print and Prepare
Start with a printable dreidel template. If you're using a template, print it onto card stock for durability. If you're making one from scratch, draw a cube net (six connected squares) on coloured paper.

Step 2: Decorate
Let the children colour or decorate their dreidel before assembly. They can add the Hebrew letters (Nun, Gimel, Hey, Shin) to each side, or simply create their own colourful designs. This is where creativity shines—encourage them to use markers, stickers, or glitter to make their dreidel unique.

Step 3: Fold and Glue
Carefully fold the template along the dotted lines to form a cube shape. Apply glue to the tabs and press them firmly to the adjacent sides. Hold each joint for a few seconds to ensure it sets properly. This step requires patience, so supervise younger children closely.

Step 4: Add the Spindle
Once the glue is dry, poke a hole through the top and bottom of the cube using a wooden skewer, pencil, or toothpick. Push the spindle through so it protrudes equally from both ends. This becomes the handle for spinning.

Step 5: Test and Play
Give your dreidel a spin! If it wobbles, you may need to adjust the spindle or ensure the cube is evenly balanced. Once it spins smoothly, you're ready to play the traditional dreidel game.

Tips for Success

Use card stock rather than regular paper—it's sturdier and spins better. If gluing feels tricky, consider using a glue gun (with adult supervision) for faster, stronger bonds. Encourage children to personalise their dreidels with their names or special designs so they can identify their own during group play. If you're working with a group, set up a decoration station where kids can customise their dreidels before assembly begins.

Extend the Learning

While crafting, share the story of Hanukkah and explain what each Hebrew letter represents in the traditional dreidel game. You could also research the history of the dreidel together, or challenge the children to design their own variations—perhaps a larger dreidel or one with different symbols.

Making paper dreidels is a hands-on way to celebrate Hanukkah while keeping young crafters entertained and engaged. It's a project that combines art, culture, and play in one simple, rewarding activity.