Crafting is a wonderful activity for younger children that allows them to express their creativity, work on their fine motor skills, and simply have fun. With some advance planning, you can organise an engaging crafting day that will delight kids ages 3-8. Here are some tips to get you started.
Choose Age-Appropriate Crafts
When deciding on crafts, select projects that are suitable for the specific age range you are planning for. Avoid any crafts with small pieces that could pose a choking hazard for kids under age 3. For ages 3-5, simple crafts like painting, playdough modelling, and paper folding work well. Older kids ages 6-8 can handle more intricate crafts like simple sewing, beadwork, or building things with recycled materials. Just be sure kids have the coordination and patience needed for the crafts you pick.
Provide Structure with Stations
Rather than doing a single craft project all day, set up craft stations around a room and let kids rotate through the stations. Stations allow you to offer 4-6 different craft options and prevent kids from getting bored. Ideas for stations include a collage and gluing station, a modelling clay station, a painting station, and a station for building and assembling crafts. Set time limits at each station before having kids rotate.
Gather Plenty of Supplies
Depending on how many kids will attend your crafting day, make sure you have ample supplies on hand for the craft stations. At each station, provide more materials than you think you will need. For collage making, set out magazines, catalogues, coloured paper, glue sticks, scissors, and other embellishments like googly eyes and pom poms. For painting, stock up on paper, painting aprons or oversized t-shirts, paintbrushes, and acrylic paints. Having plenty of supplies will prevent fighting over materials.
If you are caring for foster children and would like to encourage them to get creative, you could use your foster care allowance to help pay for crafting supplies. Look for discounts at big name stores like Hobbycraft and The Range.
Keep Things Neat
Crafting with younger kids can get messy very quickly. Make your cleanup easier by covering tables and floors around craft stations with butcher paper, plastic tablecloths, or large sheets. Have wet wipes on hand for quick cleanups too. For paints and glues, set out small trays or bowls at each station so materials are contained. Teach children to be responsible for cleaning their own station when they move to the next activity.
Take Lots of Breaks
Younger kids have short attention spans, so build in several breaks during your crafting day. Active breaks like dancing to music, playing Simon Says, or having a snack break will help keep kids engaged. Switch up the pace and have reading time in between crafting sessions. Plan a lunch break mid-day as well. Breaks will help prevent restlessness.
Hold an art show at the end where your kids can display their crafts. With some thoughtful planning and a variety of craft stations, you can create a full day of crafting fun that allows kids to think creatively and work with their hands.
