Craft for Kids - DIY for the Classroom

Craft for Kids - DIY for the Classroom

Are you a teacher planning some "I am Thankful for" craft for your students? We created a simple I am Thankful for craft for kids using some paper and a kraft gift box. Students will create mini paper turkeys at school and bring them home for the holiday. At Thanksgiving dinner, guests will write what they are thankful for and then place them in the box to share with the family. The project encourages your students to reflect on what they are thankful for this year, as well as inviting their families to do the same.

Materials:

  • 9 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 Open Lid Kraft Gift Box
  • Decorative Paper (dark orange, copper stardream, gold stardream)
  • Scissors
  • Writing Utensils (pens, pencils, markers, colored pencils)

Step One - Create the Turkeys

The first step is to create the turkeys. Have the little ones trace their hand prints onto blank pieces of colored paper. You can help them trace if needed. Then cut out.

crafts for kids - turkey hand tracing

decorating hand turkeys

Step Two - Decorating the Turkeys

Once all of their hand print turkeys are cut out, the next step is to let them decorate! Give them pens, pencils, markers and any other writing  Utensils and let them go (Check out our cool paint markers here). Encourage them to decorate the finger/feather area and leave the middle blank because this is where dinner guest will write their notes.

decorating turkey cutout with sharpie

decorated hand traced turkeys

Step Three - Creating the Box

Before giving the child the box, cut out a hole at the top where they will place their finished thankful turkeys. We made the hole about 10" long and about 1/2" wide. Also write the words "I am Thankful for..." at the top.

"I am thankful for..." box

Next, just like the turkeys, encourage the kids to decorate the box with things they are thankful for. For example, Anthony is thankful for his "Family, Dogs and Aunt." This will also help with their writing skills when they label each drawing.

Boy decorating "I am thankful for" box

box decorated with drawings of family

Step Four - Include the Family

On Thanksgiving day, have the little one pass out their pre-cut, pre-decorated paper turkeys to all the dinner guests. Tell guests to write what they are most thankful for on their turkey and then place it in the "thankful for" box. After dinner, let the little one read them out loud and guess which turkey belongs to what guest.

completed cutout turkeys

turkey hands in thankful box

Did you like this DIY project for kids? Check out this adorable way to have you kids create Christmas wrapping paper.

The Benefits of Crafting for Kids


Crafting for kids is not only a fun and creative activity, but it also offers numerous benefits for their development. Engaging in DIY projects in the classroom or at home can help children improve their fine motor skills, enhance their creativity, and boost their self-esteem. Additionally, crafting allows kids to express themselves and develop problem-solving abilities as they work on different projects. It also provides a great opportunity for bonding and social interaction, as kids can collaborate on projects and share their ideas with each other. Overall, crafting for kids is a fantastic way to promote learning and development in a fun and interactive way.


Fun and Educational Craft Ideas for Kids


When it comes to crafting for kids, the possibilities are endless. From simple paper crafts to more complex DIY projects, there are countless ideas that can keep children entertained while also promoting their learning and development. Some popular craft ideas for kids include making homemade slime, creating personalized greeting cards, and building simple structures using popsicle sticks. These activities not only provide hours of entertainment, but also help kids develop important skills such as creativity, patience, and attention to detail. By incorporating these fun and educational craft ideas into the classroom or at home, children can unleash their creativity and learn valuable lessons in the process.


Alternative Activities for Kids


While crafting is a fantastic activity for kids, there are also plenty of alternative activities that can provide similar benefits. For example, outdoor activities such as gardening or nature walks can help children connect with the environment and develop an appreciation for the world around them. Additionally, cooking and baking can be a great way to teach kids about measurements, following instructions, and the importance of nutrition. Engaging in these alternative activities can offer kids a well-rounded learning experience and expose them to a variety of new skills and interests.


Tips for Making Crafting Fun and Engaging


When it comes to crafting for kids, there are a few tips that can help make the experience even more enjoyable and engaging. First and foremost, it's important to choose age-appropriate projects that are not too complex or frustrating for children. Providing a variety of materials and tools can also spark creativity and allow kids to explore different techniques and mediums. Additionally, offering praise and encouragement throughout the crafting process can boost children's confidence and motivation. Finally, allowing kids to take the lead and make their own creative choices can make crafting a truly personal and rewarding experience for them.


The Importance of Creativity in Child Development


Crafting for kids plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, which is an essential skill for their overall development. Encouraging children to express themselves through art and DIY projects can help them develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and the confidence to think outside the box. Creativity also allows kids to explore their emotions and imagination, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. By promoting creativity through crafting, parents and educators can help children develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.


Bringing Crafting into the Classroom


Integrating crafting into the classroom can have a positive impact on children's learning and development. Not only does it provide a break from traditional academic subjects, but it also allows kids to apply their knowledge in a hands-on and creative way. Crafting can be used to reinforce lessons in science, math, and art, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable for students. Additionally, it promotes teamwork and collaboration, as kids can work together on group projects and share their ideas with each other. By incorporating crafting into the classroom, educators can create a dynamic and enriching learning environment for their students.


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