Lots of children can be wonderfully creative with crayons, markers, or paints -- especially when they are given encouragement and freedom to use those materials in whatever way they want, to make what they want. Sometimes unusual materials can spark and excite children's imaginations and creative expressions even further. When children are encouraged to use unusual art materials, they have an added opportunity to explore and experiment with colors, shapes, and designs. Besides expressing their own ideas and feelings through these art projects, they can be proud of creating something that is truly unique to them.

Lots of Learning in Making Crafts

Besides giving children ways to be creative, craft projects help children develop vital skills that they need for learning. For example, as they make crafts, children learn to follow directions, develop task persistence, and learn about process and planning. Because many of these craft activities involve cutting and pasting, children also develop fine motor skills. And they carry away with them that good feeling of pride about having made something that they can use or give as gifts to others.

Making Play Props

When children are encouraged to make props for their own pretend play, they tend to become more involved and engaged in whatever they're pretending. And when you carefully store the child-made props and bring them out for use again and again, the children will know that you value what they make and their contributions to the group.

A Lifelong Gift

Developing confidence in their ability to create something and finding ways to express their ideas and feelings through creativity are important gifts you can give to children. Through arts and crafts activities, you can help children grow in many ways that will benefit them in school and in their everyday lives, now and in the future.

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