Arts and crafts can be so much more than a macaroni necklace or a clothespin refrigerator magnet!  Arts and crafts are not just educational and entertaining, they provide a chance for you and your students to spend time together and to create lasting memories and keepsakes!

I can’t even begin to count how many times I hear other moms say, “Your kids are so lucky to have a ‘crafty’ mom!  I don’t even know where to start with my kids.”  A person does not have to be an art teacher or a “crafty” person to do arts and crafts with kids.  Hand your kids a shoebox filled with old socks, scissors, glue, wiggly eyes, and buttons.  Then just sit back and watch the magic happen!  You will be amazed at what they create.  The key is to have a collection of supplies on hand, and to be organized.  The rest if up to their imagination!

It is always a good idea to have some materials on hand just for arts and crafts.  Make sure the materials are safe and easy for your children to use.  If a child gets frustrated with a pair of scissors that will not cut, the project could be over before you even begin. 

Some basic supplies to have on hand include:

Ø      Crayons, colored pencils, markers, paint

Ø      Drawing paper, construction paper, craft paper, butcher paper

Ø      Paintbrushes and sponges

Ø      Glue, tape, staples and stapler

Ø      Scissors, ruler, hole punch

Ø      Recyclables including empty boxes, milk jugs, paper towel rolls, magazines, empty tissue boxes, etc.

Some basic steps in starting a craft project include planning your project, setting up a workspace, gathering materials before you begin, protecting the workspace and clothing, creating, and cleaning up.  There are several questions to ask for each step:

Step 1:  Planning the Project

Ø      Is the project age appropriate?

Ø      Does your child have the motor skills needed to work on the project?

Ø      Do you have enough time to complete the project?  (Remember, the younger the child, the fewer steps a project should have).  If you do not have enough time in one day, set aside time each day for a week to complete it.

Step 2:  Setting Up a Workspace

Ø      Is it in an area that is easy to clean up?

Ø      Is the area well ventilated? (Especially if you are using spray paints)

Ø      Is it in an area where the project can be left if not completed in one sitting?

Ø      Is it close to where the materials are stored?

Step 3:  Gathering Materials

Ø      Do you have all the required materials for the project?

Ø      Do you have all the required tools for the project?

Step 4:  Protecting Workspace and Clothing

Ø      Do you have a tablecloth or other protective covering?

Ø      Do you have old smocks or shirts to protect clothing?

Step 5:  Creating the Project

Ø      Does your child have a clear understanding of the finished product?

Ø      Have you given your child room to be creative?

Step 6:  Cleaning Up

Ø      Do you have the proper materials to clean up?

Ø      Have you made cleanup part of the project?  (To make cleanup easier for kids, make sure all of the supplies have a place to go- even if your storage is a shoebox)

Incorporate craft projects into your studies.  Are you currently studying Africa?  Work on some African arts and crafts projects to gain an even better understanding of the African culture.  Many people want to know how to make unit studies more age appropriate for their child- arts and crafts are a great way to do that!  Do you want to study Volcanoes with your 5-year old?  Take some basic concepts about Volcanoes and explain them to your child as you build a clay volcano and watch it erupt together!  The more organized and prepared you are, and the more crafts you do, the easier it will become.  Then other moms will be telling you, “You are such a ‘crafty’ mom!”

Did you know In the Hands of a Child carries craft projects?  Each kit contains 5 different crafts or craft items complete with supplies and instructions to enhance your Project pack and make it even more unique.  Visit us at http://www.handsofachild.com/shop/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=328&Category=45

For other fun arts and crafts projects visit these links:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/

http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/crafts-by-age/

http://www.dltk-kids.com/

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