Fold a piece of construction paper in half so that it forms a long, thin rectangle.
Draw eight to 12 lines along the edge of the paper that extend from the folded portion of the paper toward the open end. Stop drawing the lines just before the open edge of the paper.
Instruct children to cut along the lines that are drawn on the paper. Supervise them to ensure they don't cut all the way through to the open edge of the paper.
Open the folded paper. Roll the paper in the opposite direction from which is what originally folded, so that the edges touch, creating an outward crease in the center of the lantern. Secure the edges of the paper together with glue or tape.
Cut a thin rectangular strip of paper, approximately 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Apply glue to the ends of the strip of paper and secure the paper to opposite ends of the top of the lantern, creating a handle.
Provide children with gold glitter glue and instruct them to use the glue to add decorative embellishments on the lantern.
Offer children two paper plates. Instruct the children to decorate the back of each paper plate with crayons or markers.
Lay the two paper plates on top of one another so that the front portions are facing inward and the backs are facing outward.
Staple or tape around the edges of the paper plate to attach the plates together, leaving the top portion of the paper plates opened.
Pour a handful of dried beans or rice inside the opening of the paper plate. Seal the opening with staples or tape.
Cut four 6-inch lengths of different colored crepe paper streamers. Attach the streamers to the bottom edge of the paper plate with tape; the streamers should dangle off the bottom of the plates.