kids crafts

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

So, do you have kids or grandkids who are school age? How many weeks, or days, do they have left before they start back to school? I’m a teacher and I have 3 weeks till we are back in the swing of things! While I am beginning to prepare my lessons, I am also grabbing as much outdoor time as I can! Summer is such a wonderful time of year.

We are so glad you decided to stop by our party this week. Take a little time while you are here to visit our features from last week’s party then cruise through the NEW posts that you will find below. Each week we have nearly 100, sometimes more, posts shared by our blogging guests for you to enjoy. Remember, when you pin a picture on Pinterest, it actually helps the blog it originated from. Pins bring traffic to blogs and that is a huge blessing to us. Thank you in advance for that. We also love to hear from you when you leave an encouraging coming on the post!

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Transform Your Garden With DIY Water Fountain Planters from My Life Abundant

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Fabulous DIY Garden Stepping Stones from old Crockery from Christine’s Crafts

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Letter E is for Egg Preschool Craft – super easy to make and FUN!

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This marbled egg shaving cream craft is perfect for teaching the Letter E is for Egg to preschoolers – they love it and it is so easy to do! If you aren’t studying the letter E, it can also be a nice compliment to an Easter theme or even B is for Bird or N is for Nest or S is for Spring.

Look at how unique every egg turns out. When you make your eggs, be liberal with your colors but keep them kind of separate. The marbling will be more vivid if you do.

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Aren’t they beautiful! Wait till you see the device they used to decorate them. FUN! ad

This one is done on ivory colored card stock.

How To Make A Marbled Egg Craft With Shaving Cream

Supplies

Foam shaving cream

Tempera paint

Cardstock paper

Jelly roll pans or baking sheets

Craft sticks or straw

Straight edge or sturdy sheet of cardboard as a “squeegee”

Paper towel

Baby wipes (for hands)

Towels

Trash bag

beautiful blue multicolored paper egg craft

Directions

Cut out eggs.
Write names on one side.
Spray foamy shaving cream into a pan or on a big plate.
Squirt tempera paint in streaks onto the shaving cream.
Using a craft stick or straw, squiggle the color through just a little bit.
Take the cardstock eggs (name side facing up) and press them into the shaving cream.
Gently pull it up (to me it is at its prettiest, before you wipe it off)
Wait 1 – 2 minutes to let the color sink in.
Squeegee the excess off.
Lay it out to dry.

Print the outline of an egg on pieces of cardstock and cut it out.
Count on each of your children wanting to make several – it goes fast.
They wil be fascinated with all the different designs this colored shaving cream produces. For my preschoolers, I cut out at least 3 per child.

Tip 1: have a location with paper towel laid out where they can lie flat to dry.

Tip 2: if you are doing this in a group setting, write the children’s names in pen on the back BEFORE you start! Once they are wet, you are going to have a hard time doing it.

Tip 3: I am all in favor of children getting lots of cutting practice in on a regular basis. For this craft, however, you may prefer to pre-cut them out in advance and then (as I said in tip #2) write their names on the back of each one.

Squiggle the color through the shaving cream using a craft stick, orange stick or straw.

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Leave lots of “white space” so that the designs are clear on the paper.

Gently press the egg shaped cutout into to the shaving cream. If you put the child’s name on the egg, you should see it on top when you do this.

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Isn’t it pretty? Let it rest a minute to give the color an opportunity to soak into the paper card stock.

After you allow the shaving cream to sit on the card stock egg for a minute or two, squeegee the excess off.

Fun shaving cream craft for Letter E is for Egg #preschool #kidscrafts

Take a look at the finished product! Pretty, huh? Tweet and tell someone …

Fun craft for #kids - make marbled eggs using shaving cream and food coloring! #kidscrafts #preschool Share on X

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Enjoy!

Letter M is for Mouse Preschool Craft and Lesson

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This simple little craft and classic children’s book, Ad If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, make the Letter M is for Mouse lesson come alive in a preschool classroom. Your kids will love it!

I just love teaching preschoolers. Everything is new to 3 year olds. For instance, when I was teaching them about mice, I had to start with the basics: “One is called a “mouse”; more than one is called “mice. ” A few little sets of eyes got bigger. It was news to them!

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On M is for Mouse day, we talked about what mice eat – fruit, grains and seeds – and that they sleep in the daytime. Another surprise to my little 3 and 4 year olds. I used a picture book to teach them the basics. The vivid pictures really kept their attention.

This hardcover book is a treasury of 4 of the classic Mouse a Cookie books in one!

For your lesson plans: Fun Mouse Facts For Kids

Cute M is for Mouse craft and link to 4 If You Give a Mouse A Cookie book treasury for #preschoolers #kids #kidscrafts ad Share on X

This is a sweet little craft that is so easy for your little ones to make..

M is for Mouse Craft

Supplies

Nose – use a sticker or a pom pom or a colorful craft button

Yarn for a tail … tied in a bow at the end

Gluestick

Tape *optional

Scissors

Directions

Print the template on white cardstock.

Color the parts (the smallest circle is the interior of the ear)

Cut out the parts.

Glue the large circle for the outer ear on the top of the mouse, about 1/3 of the way from the nose.

Glue the smaller circle inside of the ear.

Glue on the eye and the nose.

Glue or tape the tail from the underside of the mouse.

Simple!

Template for Mouse craft

Safety Scissors for Kids, Retractable Small Scissors for Toddler Craft Ages 3-5 2-4 1-3, Cute Pink Toddler Craft Preschool 3Pcs

Enjoy!

This is NOT a cool 3D sportscar toy, it is a MOUSE for a laptop computer!

Comes in several colors. What a fun gift! Ad

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Letter A is for Ant Egg Carton Craft and Preschool Lesson

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Learning the alphabet is much more exciting to preschoolers and kindergarteners when you explore each letter using a great visual aid. “A” is for Ant is a natural starter. Ants are creepy, fascinating creatures that will capture the interest of any 3 or 4 year old. Couple your exploration with a real live ant farm, and you have a real winner.

This year I used a cardboard egg carton craft where the children were able to make their own ant.

Tip=> Paint does not dry nearly as fast as you may want it to. Start this craft first thing in the morning, so that it will be dry by the afternoon. You may even want to schedule “part 2” for the following day. My class meets just once a week, so we had to get it done the same day.

Cardboard Egg Carton Ant Craft

What you will need:

Cardboard egg cartons

Washable tempera paint (black, brown, gray or red)

Paint brushes

Pipe cleaners

Googly Eyes

Glue sticks

Pre-cut egg cartons into 3 humps: head, thorax, abdomen.

Cut out the triangular edge on the side in between each egg holder-shell to better define the body parts.

Make holes for the legs. To assure that the holes are opposite each other,

use a cooking skewer to poke the holes directly through to the other side.

Tip#2=> I got a little smarter the second time we did this craft. Use a single HOLE PUNCH instead of a skewer. It works great!

Paint the egg carton an “ant” color. In this case, we used black.

Let it dry.

Thread a long pipe cleaner through each egg carton shell and

bend the ends to look like legs.

Using a glue stick, attach the googly eyes, and you’re done!

Cute, huh?

In addition to our egg carton ant craft, I created a fun ant counting game which I will share with you in a soon-coming post.

Be sure to check out our new Preschool Fun page, as well.

Have you taught preschoolers about ants?

What other “A” lessons have you used?

Share your ideas with us!

Letter A is for ANT cardboard egg carton craft is FUN! #preschool #ants #kindergarten #kidscrafts #ece Share on X

Enjoy!

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T is for Turtle Craft For Little Kids

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T is for Turtle Paper Plate Craft

Little 3-D marshmallow eyes give this turtle paper plate craft for kids dimension. It is cuter than cute!

Oh, how I have looked forward to teaching this lesson. In previous years we did T is for Tee Pee, T is for Turkey and T is for Teeth. It was time to do Turtles – especially with the fond memories I have of “my own” turtle named Manfred. *amazing story below

Things we learned about turtles:

Some live on land, some live in water.
The ones who live on land have stumpy legs. Sea turtles and other water-dwellers have webbed feet.
Turtles can be itty-bitty small or huge!* (tortoises)
Turtles are reptiles.
Turtles eat a variety of foods. Some eat vegetation. Some eat insects. Some eat animals.
Baby turtles hatch from eggs using a “tooth” to chip their way out!
More: Fun Turtle Facts from Science Kids

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Fascinating TURTLES picture book for children #ad

My Tortoise Story

T is for Turtle and T is for Tortoise, preschool lesson

My Tortoise Story: affectionately remembered in my kid-memory as “the best day ever!” Long long ago, in a place far, far away (Upstate New York) there was a second grade class … MY second grade class and there was a little 8 year old girl, that would be me. Though it was far in the past, the images will stay with me forever. During recess, our class was playing outside on the playground. Suddenly, I kid you not, a huge and I mean GIGANTIC tortoise slowly crept out of the woods. He was so big that two children hopped on his back, to the great distress of the shocked teachers. They couldn’t move fast enough. “Get off. Get off!” and ” Keep away from his mouth!” They did get off but he was soon surrounded by a sea of wondering children. Can you imagine our parents when they asked us how school was that day? LOL!

We named him “Manfred.” Somebody called for help. I remember the police being there. It isn’t clear to me whether we were still outdoors when he was taken away but he did become a permanent resident of the local zoo. Manfred kept his name and he lived there for decades. He passed away a few years ago and it has been said that he was well over 100 years old. When I read the news, for a moment there I felt like a friend had died. Manfred the Tortoise will always have a special place in my heart.

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Adorable paper plate craft with mini marshmallow eyes: TURTLE! #kids #crafts #kidscrafts #homeschooling #preschool #kindergarten Share on X

T is for Turtle Paper Plate Craft

This craft is simple and fun to make. I had run out of googly eyes but came up with this brainstorm – marshmallow eyes! I had mini’s on hand. I cut them in half, put a dot of black paint on each and Voila! Eyes! I like them better than the googlies.

Supplies

Plain white paper plate

Green construction paper

Turtle part template on white paper

Marshmallows: mini and large

Small paintbrush

Cotton swab

Tempera Paints

Stapler

Tape

Black marker

White school glue

Directions

Cut the small marshmallows in half.

Paint a black tempera paint pupil on each marshmallow “eye ball”*

You will find that they harden a bit in a short period of time.

Cut out the turtle parts using your template as a guide

Tape the tail onto the legs part of the turtle.

Now you will have two parts: front and bottom

Trace the front and back onto green paper and cut them out.

Staple front to one side of a paper plate shell making sure that the “dome” part of the shell will be on the correct side. You don’t want the staples and tape to show.

Do the same on the other end for the bottom legs with tail of the turtle.

Tip: you can also use some tape to secure it.

Glue the marshmallow eyes on the head.

Draw the nose and mouth using the marker.

Using large marshmallows, DOT colored tempera paint all over the paper plate, decorating his shell.

You now have one adorable turtle!

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Enjoy!

Creativity kit for kids – Clay Sea Turtle Lagoon Set #Ad

Fun S is for Spring Fork Painting Craft for Kids

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S is for Spring fork painting project for kids

This Letter S is for Spring preschool craft is so easy to make that your kids will love it. No frustration – guaranteed success because we used fork painting!

Whenever we do a new craft in my classroom, I try to bring a sample for my students to see to give them some idea of where we are headed. It never stifles their creativity. Each and every painting is totally unique, which I love!

Painting spring flowers with tempera paints using forks #spring #preschoolcraft

When I started my sample copy, I was confident that I had everything I needed to do the job. What I hadn’t recognized was that my little tempera paints had gone dry. Well, almost dry. I had no transportation that day, so I couldn’t run out to buy more, and I was up against the wire time-wise. So, I poured a little water in the paints, let them sit, and then blended them with a craft stick. It worked!

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Colorations washable tempera paint for kids #AD

My painting is pictured here:

S is for Spring fork painting craft for preschool

This picture was made by me, the teacher, as a sample for my students to see.

Plastic forks are your paint brushes for the petals.

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Spring crafts for preschoolers; letter S is for Spring

Three paintings of tulips made by preschoolers, using plastic forks and tempera paints.

S is for Spring Fork-Painting Picture

Supplies
Card or Cover Stock

Tempera Paints

Small Paint Brush

Plastic Forks

Smocks

S is for Spring preschool craft; fork painting; spring preschool lesson

Directions

Start with smocks. Little children are messy. They can’t help it.

Cover them up with an old shirt or smock before you start.

Paint stems and leaves of the flowers first, using a small paint brush and green paint.

Pour different color tempera paints on a plate.

Use a different fork for each color.

Paint tulip-shapes on the stems in various colors.

Let it dry.

Done!

S is for Spring fork painting craft! #preschool #kidscrafts #painting Share on X

Tip: if you have several children doing this project at the same time – our classroom had 13 – pre-label each piece of cover stock paper with each child’s name before they start to paint. That way the person who is labeling won’t get paint on themselves, as they might if you wait until after the picture is completed.

Enjoy!

If you love this idea, wait till you see my post about ROCK PAINTING!

Make the Holidays Fun With This Easy Snow Globe Craft

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You know that I am teaching kindergarten and first grade this year, right? Though I have taught preschool for years, teaching kindergarten and first grade requires developing new, age-appropriate lesson plans. I decided to make the theme for the final two days before our holiday break a Christmas theme. The craft for the last day would be a Nativity scene.

What I needed was a good craft idea for the first class. I didn’t have one. Then, the answer came in an email from Handmade Charlotte. She shared an adorable snow globe craft with a FREE TEMPLATE. It was exactly what I was looking for! [Thanks, Charlotte!]

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

It is no secret that I love crafts that children and their parents can do together. You color together, you talk, you decorate with sparkles, you admire and then enjoy a treat to celebrate a job well done. This snow globe craft is perfect for crafting togetherness.

The samples in the above images are ones that I made. I used colored pencils, a yellow highlighter, gold glitter and gold curling ribbon to string through the top.

The gold and white glitter globes [pictured below] were made by one of my students. Lucie had actually run out of energy. She vigorously colored and decorated two of them but then she got tired. For the final two, she just quickly dotted and swiped with Elmer’s glue to get it done. Then, she stopped. I asked her if I could add some glitter for her to finish them and she gave me the “OK.”

The simple gold and white snow globes turned out so pretty, I made a point of snapping a picture so that I could show them to you. [pictured below]

How To Make A Paper Snow Globe Tag

This craft is super easy to make. I recommend printing the template on white cardstock, which will hold up a lot better for use as a gift tag, tree ornament or even a holiday banner! Cardstock is sturdy.

Here is what you will need:

Supplies

White Cardstock

Free Template from Handmade Charlotte

Printer

Colored Pencils or Colored Markers or Crayons

Highlighters

White school glue

Glitter

Gold Curling Ribbon

Single hole punch

Scissors

DIY Felt Christmas Tree for Kids #Ad

Directions

Download the free snow globe printable gift tags template on your computer.

Print the template on white cardstock. One page per person.

Color the designs on the snow globes.

Put dots of white glue on the designs.

Sprinkle glitter on them.

Cut out each of the snow globes.

Put a hole at the top of each one.

Cut a ribbon according to your needs: gift tag, Christmas ornament or banner.

String the ribbon through the hole in the top of the paper snow globe.

West Bend “Cocoa Crazy” hot chocolate, instant coffee and tea maker #Ad

Now, how is this for a fun idea? Make SNOW GLOBE COOKIES to have at your little crafting party! Brew up some hot chocolate and enjoy!

Recipe: Snow Globe Cookies – Women’s World Magazine

Snow Globe Shaped cookie cutter by Anne Clark #Ad Made in the USA

Have a fun time with your #kids - make this FREE snow globe craft together! #crafts #holidays #familyfun Share on X

Are you in the mood to bake a lot of delicious Christmas cookies? Here is my collection of the best CLASSIC holiday cookie recipes you can find: 10 Classic Holiday Cookie Recipes for you to make with your family!

Enjoy!

Painting With Forks? Kids Love It!

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Hey parents and teachers, this Letter S is for Spring preschool craft -which is painted using plastic forks instead of paint brushes – is so easy. Your kids will love fork-painting! ♥ No frustration – guaranteed success!

Whenever we do a new craft in my classroom, I bring a sample for my students to see to give them some idea of where we are headed. It never stifles their creativity to see mine first. Each and every painting they produce is totally unique, which I love! I can hardly wait to see what they will look like.

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

When I started my sample copy, I was confident that I had everything I needed to do the job. What I hadn’t recognized was that my little tempera paints had gone dry. Rather than running to the store to buy more, I poured a little water into the paints, let them sit, and then blended them with a craft stick. It worked!

Painting of a tulip garden made by painting with forks #preschool

This picture was made by me, the teacher, as a sample for my students to see.

Use plastic forks as your paint brushes for the petals on the flowers.

These three paintings of tulips were made by preschoolers, all using plastic forks, paint brushes and tempera paints.

Do your kids love to paint? Try giving them a fork to do it! LOL Fork-painting is FUN! #preschool #crafts #painting #kidscrafts Share on X

How To Paint A Spring Picture Using A Fork

Supplies
Card or Cover Stock Paper

Tempera Paints

Small Paint Brush

Plastic Forks

Smocks

Directions

Start with putting smocks on your kids. Little children are messy. They can’t help it.

Cover them up with an old shirt or smock before you start.

Paint the stems and leaves of the flowers first, using a small paint brush and green paint.

Now, pour different color tempera paints on a plate.

Use a different fork for each color.

Paint tulip-shapes on the stems in various colors.

Let it dry.

Done!

Tip: if you have several children doing this project at the same time – I had 13 – pre-label each piece of cardstock with each child’s name before they start to paint. That way the person who is writing their names on them won’t get paint on themselves, as they might if you wait until after the picture is completed.

Enjoy!

Love Bug Toilet Roll Paper Craft for Valentine’s Day

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These Valentine Love Bugs are so easy and fun to make.

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Fun craft set with magic color scratch hearts #ad

Valentine’s Day “Love Bugs” Preschool Craft

Supplies

Empty Toilet Paper Rolls

Colored Copy Paper

Glue Stick

White School Glue

Scissors

Heart Shaped Pattern

How to Make Valentine Love Bugs

Cover toilet paper rolls in colored paper, glued on with white school glue.
Cut two hearts out of different colored paper, one smaller than the other.
Glue the smaller heart inside the larger, creating a border – then glue it on the toilet paper roll as “wings”
Make the face: googly eyes, a heart for a nose and pen-drawn mouth make the sweet little face.
Punch two holes punched at the top of the back of the rolls make it simple to add pipe cleaners for antennas. Just run ’em through, bend and twist so they stay put.
Stickers are a fun decoration for little ones to add.

Perfect compliment for V is for Valentine preschool lesson.

Adorable toilet paper roll craft made into Valentine Love Bugs. #kidscrafts Share on X

Another really cute Valentine craft is perfect as a treat for a kids’ Valentine’s Day party: Valentine Robots

Enjoy!