Cheer
Make colorful yarn pom poms and decorate simple cheer signs, then learn a short cheer routine to boost team spirit and confidence.
Step-by-step guide to make colorful yarn pom poms, decorate simple cheer signs, and learn a short cheer routine
Beginner Cheer Dance - Learn in Minutes! | Full How to
Step 1
Gather all materials and set them on a clear workspace so you can reach everything easily.
Step 2
Cut two matching cardboard rings about the size of a cookie with a small hole in the middle to make a pom-pom template.
Step 3
Hold the two rings together and wrap yarn around them through the center and over the outer edge until the yarn looks very thick and fluffy.
Step 4
Use scissors to cut the yarn loops around the outside edge between the two rings to open the loops.
Step 5
Slide a short piece of yarn between the two rings and tie a very tight double knot around the center of the wrapped yarn to hold it together.
Step 6
Pull the cardboard rings off carefully to release your tied pom-pom.
Step 7
Trim the pom-pom with scissors into a neat round shape so it looks full and even.
Step 8
Cut a piece of cardboard into a simple sign shape like a rectangle or heart for your cheer sign.
Step 9
Decorate your sign with bright letters and designs using markers and crayons to spell a short team cheer or encouraging word.
Step 10
Use glue or tape to attach pom-poms to the corners or top of your sign for extra sparkle.
Step 11
Tape or glue a craft stick or straw to the back of the sign to make a handle so you can wave it like a real cheer sign.
Step 12
Pick a short 4-line cheer and decide two simple arm moves or jumps to go with each line.
Step 13
Practice your cheer aloud three times while waving your pom-pom signs and doing the moves to build confidence and energy.
Step 14
Take a photo or video of your colorful pom-poms and cheer sign and share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of cardboard rings if I can't find cardboard or the cookie-sized shape?
Use two stiff paper plates trimmed to cookie-size with a small center hole or two recycled plastic lids cut to match as pom-pom templates in place of the cardboard rings.
My yarn pom-pom fell apart when I removed the rings—what did I do wrong and how can I fix it?
Keep the two rings pressed tightly together while you cut the yarn loops between them with sharp scissors and make sure to tie a very tight double knot with the short piece of yarn between the rings before sliding them off to hold the wrapped yarn together.
How can I adapt the steps for different ages so it's safe and fun for younger kids or challenging for older kids?
For younger children, use larger pre-cut rings, chunky yarn and blunt safety scissors and have an adult do the knot and initial trimming, while older kids can make smaller rings, trim the pom-pom into a neater round shape themselves, and design more detailed signs with markers and glued-on decorations.
How can we extend or personalize the cheer sign and pom-poms to make the project more special?
Personalize the cardboard sign by writing your team name in bright letters, add glitter glue or sequins to the decorated sign, attach extra colorful pom-poms to the corners, and make a matching second sign to wave during your practiced 4-line cheer before taking a photo or video for DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make colorful yarn pom poms, decorate simple cheer signs, and learn a short cheer routine
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Facts about cheerleading for kids
📣 Cheerleading started as a way to lead crowds at American colleges in the late 1800s and has grown into a global sport with cheers, dance, and stunts.
💡 Making and performing a short cheer builds confidence and teamwork—practicing together improves rhythm, timing, and courage.
🎀 Pom‑poms are used all over the world as hat and clothing decorations, not just for cheer squads.
🏫 Simple signs and chants are powerful: quick, catchy cheers help teams feel united and can make a crowd sound much bigger.
🧶 You can make a small yarn pom‑pom with less than a yard of yarn—one colorful skein can make lots of poms for signs and decorations!
How do I make yarn pom-poms, decorate simple cheer signs, and teach a short cheer routine?
What materials do I need to make colorful yarn pom-poms and cheer signs?
What ages is this pom-pom and cheer sign activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of making pom-poms and doing short cheers, and are there safety tips or variations?
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