Winter is the perfect time to do arts and craft projects with kids since it is chilly outside. I have three daughters and have been doing crafts with them since they were toddlers. I home-schooled for a total of 7 years, and arts and crafts were an important part of my children’s education. My kids had fun participating in many things such as sculpting dough to make letters, painting and paper crafts. Artwork and crafts are fun but there are benefits beyond entertainment purposes.
Artwork offers academic and health benefits. Children who participate in artwork:
- Show an increase in creativity
- Obtain a feeling of balanced emotions
- Have increased problem-solving abilities
- Gain a better understanding of who they are
- Learn better
- Are able to concentrate better
In healthcare settings, arts are used to decrease the stress and anxiety levels in patients and create a curing atmosphere.
This winter, try the following art and crafts projects with your children:
Make a winter wonderland snow globe. Make a simple snow globe by using an empty jar such as a baby food, pickle, or jam jar. You will need a plastic toy figurine as a centerpiece, and many times these can be found at dollar stores. Use clear-drying, water-proof epoxy to glue your chosen centerpiece to the inner-side of the lid. Fill the jar with water and glitter to finish your winter wonderland globe that will last all year long.
Make a polar bear or reindeer handprint craft. For this craft, you will need brown or white paint and thick paper such as card stock. To create these two animals, the right hand must be upside down. Therefore, after making the handprint using the right hand, turn the paper over. From there, kids can use a black marker to draw the polar bear’s eyes, nose, and ears. A fingerprint tail will also need to be added to the bear. Children will draw a nose, eyes, and antlers to finish their reindeer.
Rubber stamp mini Valentine’s Day cards. Every February, my children and I enjoy rubber stamping mini Valentine’s Day cards together. Homemade cards are personable, have sentimental value and are fun to make. Purchase mini cards and envelopes from your local craft store or online. Use Valentine’s Day themed rubber stamps with images on the front of the card. On the inside of the card either write or stamp a word, phrase, or verse.
Paint snow. Kids will enjoy painting snow with white tempera paint on colored or black paper. Let them use their imagination to create their own masterpiece. Give them ideas such as a snowman, a snowstorm or someone snowboarding if they are having a hard time coming up with ideas.
Sources:
Personal Experience
More from Rebecca Bardelli:
Five Winter Skin Care Tips for Children
5 Fun, Free Places to Take Your School-Aged Children in the Winter
