Looking for something to entertain the children over the school holidays or on weekends? We've got you covered with some engaging craft activities that are sure to be fun and give them a sense of accomplishment. These easy crafts don't cost much, and you'll be surprised how long some of these ideas will keep young creators entertained.
Crafting is also proven to be beneficial in developing several skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, emotional regulation, communication and social development, fine motor skills while also providing sensory stimulation necessary for learning, wellbeing, and mental health. Furthermore, it is a great way to help children relax and unwind.
So, let’s explore how to keep them busy with exciting and easy DIY crafts for children:
1. Sponge Painting
We have all experimented with various kinds of painting activities, including brush painting, finger painting, vegetable painting, and so on. Now, let’s try sponge painting. Sponges are multipurpose items often used in cleaning and easily found in every house. Offer your child some paper, a sponge, and water paint. You could assist them in creating simple flower shapes or geometric designs initially. Once they get the hang of it, let them get creative with any design of their choice without supervision. You may be surprised how children think. Have them proudly display their artwork by framing it or hanging it on a pin-up board. Squeezing a sponge in their hands, assorted colors and textures enhances sensory perception, allowing children to completely engage in the activity and develop greater control in the small muscles of their hands.
2. Bedroom Door Design
Every child must be able to customize their room, starting from their door. After all, a child's room must look bright, vibrant, and unique, highlighting their wonderful personality and creative orientation. For this activity, you will need a tiny chalkboard (approximately 8.5” x 11”), colored chalks, colorful ribbon, and some double tape. First, start by sticking some double tape on all corners of the board. Then cut colorful ribbons to stick on all 4 sides. You can further customize the ribbon by adding glitter, stickers, etc. This gives you a nice frame to work with. The good thing about a chalkboard is that you can keep changing the write-up. Have the child either write their name in a stylistic manner, draw their favorite animal, write a thought for the day, or simply create any design of their choice. Once ready, you can hang the board using a hook on their bedroom door. Encourage your child to redo the writing or design regularly.
3. Cereal Jewelry
There is no home with children that does not have a variety of cereal stocked in the kitchen or pantry. Children surely enjoy eating these treats, but they can be used for much more than just breakfast. Just like beads, cereals can be used to make child-friendly necklaces, bracelets, bands, anklets, and many other accessories at home. All you need is some thick thread and easy-to-fix hooks or buttons. Children enjoy the pop of color, pairing different shapes of cereal together, and creating something unique for themselves and others. You never know how time flies with this one. Moreover, using the small muscles in their hands, fingers, and wrists allows them to develop balance, make precise movements, and gain greater control. This activity also promotes hand-eye coordination and concentration.
4. Rainbow Rice
This colorful idea requires uncooked rice, white vinegar, food coloring or paint, quick seal plastic bags, and wax paper. This is such a wonderful sensory play activity that can be used in multiple ways such as scooping and pouring, making shapes, filling into molds, and sticking on paper. Put some uncooked rice into a plastic bag, add a color of your choice, and 1 spoon of vinegar to seal the color. Once the rice is fully coated in color, spread it onto wax paper and allow it to dry. Use it for any activity you please or simply for sensory exploration.
5. Tape Hopscotch
This timeless game is a favorite among all children. All you need is some colored painter’s tape or any durable tape. It can be played indoors or outdoors and keeps children busy and happily engaged for hours. Older children can try challenging variations such as hopping backwards on numbers, hopping on even or odd numbers, or using hands on single boxes. You may not believe it, but hopscotch is a terrific way to learn numeracy, develop social skills, refine gross motor skills, and enhance creativity and critical thinking. As a bonus, it keeps children away from screens.
Creative craft ideas for children provide them with numerous opportunities to learn and develop by enhancing their language and teamwork, improving coordination, building problem-solving skills, supporting mental health, teaching them about shapes and colors, and fostering patience and persistence all within a fun environment.
Arts and crafts have long been a crucial part of early childhood development. As children's brains are continuously growing and learning, it's essential to offer activities that stimulate this growth, making future learning experiences more enjoyable and attainable.
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