Spring Crafts for Toddlers and Preschoolers

August 30, 2008

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Spring Crafts for Toddlers and Preschoolers

by Susan E. Davis
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Two of the greatest joys of living with toddlers and preschoolers are their curiosity about the natural world and their enthusiasm for arts-and-crafts projects. Here are some simple ideas that harness both these passions.

Have fun with found objects
Young children love to collect things and stash them away. Put that passion to good use by taking your child on a nature walk and encouraging him to pick up as many objects as he can find. He'll have a world of choices: pine cones, rocks, feathers, leaves, acorns, berries, and shells, among others. Remember that young children usually can't tell a fern leaf from poison ivy or a raspberry from a poisonous fruit, so keep a close eye on your little one's explorations.

When you get home, spread the objects out on some newspaper. Then let your child's imagination take over.

To make a collage, simply glue the objects onto cardboard or heavy construction paper.

You also can glue the objects into a shoe box to make a 3-D display, also known as a shadow box. If your child likes the idea, help him to line the inside of the box with colored construction paper and paint the outside for an extra artistic touch. When it dries, have him arrange his chosen objects inside, affixing them with glue. Place the box on a shelf or tabletop where all can appreciate its wonders.

Note: Think your urban neighborhood has nothing to offer from the world of nature? Look again. Even city streets contain leaves, twigs, and feathers. Or visit a local park, where the variety will be even greater.

Make the most of wintry weather
Unfortunately, the official start of spring doesn't always herald the end of cold and blustery weather.

If you're still getting snow and your youngster is suffering from a cranky case of cabin fever, head outdoors to build snow animals or elaborate snow castles. One idea: If your little one loves horses, create one with extra thick legs to make it more stable, and let your child clamber atop it for an imaginary ride.

Indoors, re-create snowflakes by pounding nails into a board and then letting your youngster wrap, weave, and tangle white yarn around the nails. Or use light-colored chalk or crayons to draw snowflakes on dark construction paper.

Focus on our feathered friends
Springtime in most areas heralds the return of flocks that flew south for the winter and the renewed vigor of birds preparing to mate and create nests for their young. Setting out store-bought birdhouses or feeders will attract them to your yard and introduce young ones to the delight of bird-watching. Creating your own, however, adds a personal touch--and a sense of stewardship--to the whole process.

To make a bird feeder, simply smear a nontreated pine cone or an ear of Indian corn with peanut butter, then roll it in birdseed. Tie a ribbon around the top of the cone or the corn husk and hang from a tree branch or windowsill hook. (To attract the most birds possible, keep feeders on south- or east-facing sides of your house and out of the wind.)

You don't need fine carpentry skills to construct a birdhouse; just pick up a prefab wooden one at a large craft or pet store and let your child color it with acrylic or oil paints. After the paint dries, you (not your little one, this stuff is toxic) should apply an enamel gloss to protect it from the elements.

Note: If you don't know much about birds, someone at a local nature center or your city's chapter of the Audubon Society can tell you which species live in your area and what size birdhouse would attract them.

Encourage creativity to blossom
Few things symbolize spring more than flowers, so why not invite your child to make some colorful containers for them? All you need are wooden planters or terra-cotta pots and several bottles of acrylic paint. Let your child decorate the pot or planter to his heart's content, then seal the paint with an enamel gloss (remember, this is your job). Plant some flower bulbs and watch your child's handiwork come to life in a few weeks.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Books and the Older Toddler: 18-24 Months
			Hobbies and Crafts

Created March 01, 2001
Reviewed March 04, 2001

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