As our kids return to school, we know the weekend’s need to be about fun with our families, so we have 10 fantastic crafts that will support your child’s education but without feeling like ‘homework.’ Craft activities are more than just fun pastimes; they play a crucial role in nurturing a child's psychological development. As conscientious parents, it's essential to understand how these creative pursuits positively impact your child's cognitive and emotional growth.
1. Nature collage:
Encouraging your children to create nature collages not only enhances their artistic skills but also connects them with the natural world. Head to your favourite woodland and collect fallen leaves, or your local beach for some seaweed or small bits of driftwood. These can all easily be incorporated into a collage with some PVA glue and some mixed media.
Studies show that exposure to nature boosts mood, reduces stress, and supports overall mental well-being (Kuo and Sullivan, 2001).
2. DIY storybooks:
Crafting storybooks empowers children to express their thoughts and emotions. Your young ones can develop their own characters, write their own story, and illustrate the storybooks. These might make great presents for the grandparents this year.
Engaging in creative writing has been linked to improved emotional regulation and enhanced self-esteem (Reutter et al., 2019).
3. Recycled art:
The act of repurposing materials in recycled art projects teaches resourcefulness and an eco-conscious mindset. Head to your local charity shop and buy a framed painting with a fun scene. Let your kids loose with some felt tips or water-soluble paints and encourage them to add their own stamp to an old image, so much fun. Alternatively raid your recycling bin and cut up and old pop bottle to make a fun character that can also store pens and pencils when they've finished.
Such practices contribute to a sense of purpose and environmental responsibility (White et al., 2020)
4. Paper plate puppets:
Puppetry encourages imaginative play, promoting emotional expression and social interaction. Choose bright colours and remember you can include extras like glitter, pipe cleaners and feathers for extra texture.
Research suggests that imaginative play is crucial for children's socio-emotional development (Lillard et al., 2013).
5. Origami adventures:
Origami requires patience and precision, promoting focus and mindfulness. More complex projects can be an ideal craft for teenagers. Set a competition this weekend for the best origami creature and have a prize ready.
Engaging in mindfulness activities has been associated with reduced stress and anxiety in children (Semple et al., 2010).
6. Painted rock creations:
Painting rocks offers an outlet for self-expression. Your children could use cotton buds, dipped in paint, and create mandala style creations, or prints with leaves or sponges.
Art therapy, like rock painting, has been proven effective in enhancing emotional well-being and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Monti et al., 2006).
7. Handmade greeting cards:
Crafting cards for loved ones reinforces empathy and gratitude. If your kids have a particular teacher they would like to thank, or a best friend’s birthday coming up, consider them creating their own greetings cards to practice their art and their handwriting.
Research indicates that practicing gratitude enhances overall psychological health (Emmons and McCullough, 2003).
8. Sock puppets:
Creating sock puppets fosters imaginative play and emotional storytelling, promoting empathy and social understanding. Imaginative play has been linked to the development of emotional intelligence (Russ and Robins, 2004).
We all have a bag full of odd socks who have lost their ‘sole mate’ so grab those lonely items and transform them into new characters with your little ones. Make sure to give them all original names.
9. Beaded jewellery making:
Designing jewellery encourages creativity and patience. If you do not have new beads to thread, consider cutting up some costume jewellery or grabbing some second-hand pieces from a car-boot sale.
Engaging in creative activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem (Kaimal et al., 2016).
10. Clay creations:
Sculpting with clay engages both the mind and body, promoting relaxation and self-expression. Okay… we admit, it can be a bit messy, or a lot messy, but...
art therapy, including clay modelling, has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall psychological well-being (Potash, 2020).
If you are looking for organised activities for your aspiring artists please check out our range of courses available for young crafters…
