Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Multi-Step Cutting Practice for Preschoolers

What I love about this activity is that it is multiple activities all in one to keep kids busy and engaged longer!

The kids can start off by drawing and creating a rainbow. Once drawn, they can then help cut out strips of rain and clouds to cover up the rainbow. And finally, they can cut away the rain to reveal their rainbow! If you have multiple kids, or a classroom, it would be fun to switch papers to have the sibling or classmate do the big reveal!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Create This Activity

There are two ways you can do this cutting practice for preschoolers! You can do the multi-step handmade approach described above, or you can grab our free printable below.

Both ways are lots of fun and great for strengthening fine motor skills!

Keep on reading to get the free printable which includes 3 different scenes to discover!

How to Create This Activity

There are two ways you can do this cutting practice for preschoolers! You can do the multi-step handmade approach described above, or you can grab our free printable below.

Both ways are lots of fun and great for strengthening fine motor skills!

Keep on reading to get the free printable which includes 3 different scenes to discover!

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Get the Free Printable Version for This Cutting Practice for Preschoolers

We wanted to make things extra easy for you with a free printable version of this activity! Just print, cut along the dotted lines, and tape for a super quick activity to set up for your preschoolers!

In addition to the rainbow discovery, the printable set includes 2 other scenes to have kids uncover – dolphins hiding behind seagrass and ladybugs hiding behind grass!

For more printable resources to help with scissor skills, be sure to check out our Cut the Patterns and Scissor Skills Haircuts worksheets!

And to see all our printable resources including lots of freebies, visit our Printable Shop!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Have your little one draw a rainbow on a piece of paper, or draw one for them, or grab our free printable!

Step 2

Cut clouds and strips for the “rain” on blue paper, leaving a 1/4 inch border to keep all the strands together.

Step 3

Glue the rain just above the rainbow. And then glue the clouds above the rain.

Step 4

Hand your kiddo child-safe scissors and challenge them to cut the rain away to find the surprise underneath!

Step 1

Have your little one draw a rainbow on a piece of paper, or draw one for them, or grab our free printable!

Step 2

Cut clouds and strips for the “rain” on blue paper, leaving a 1/4 inch border to keep all the strands together.

Step 3

Glue the rain just above the rainbow. And then glue the clouds above the rain.

Step 4

Hand your kiddo child-safe scissors and challenge them to cut the rain away to find the surprise underneath!

The Importance of Cutting Practice for Preschoolers

As a child strengthens their scissor skills, they are simultaneously strengthening their fine motor skills. These are the small muscles in the hands and fingers that will help kids accomplish many life skills including writing, buttoning, zipping, and so much more.

Read more about what fine motor skills are and why the are important!

The Importance of Cutting Practice for Preschoolers

As a child strengthens their scissor skills, they are simultaneously strengthening their fine motor skills. These are the small muscles in the hands and fingers that will help kids accomplish many life skills including writing, buttoning, zipping, and so much more.

Read more about what fine motor skills are and why the are important!

Store-Bought Scissor Skills Activities

Here are my top picks for scissor skill products you can buy!

Scissor Skills Workbook

This set includes 3 workbooks all about scissor skills. Each book includes a pair of scissors!

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Apple Picking Game

This unique game includes magnetic apples that can be picked from the tree using a scooper scissor!

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Travel-Size Cutting Book

This small book is packed with scissor skills activities for children as young as 2 years old!

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Decorative Scissors

This fun set of scissors comes with 6 designs of patterns for decorating paper crafts!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Aladdin Party Idea – How to Make a Themed Play Dough Kit

aladdin party idea play dough kit sensory play

This Aladdin party idea will be a hit with the kids! It is such a fun activity to play with and also makes a great homemade gift! Keep on reading to find out how to make your own play dough and where to find all the items to include in the kit!

Unique Activity Makes a Great Aladdin Party Idea

Does your little one love all things Aladdin? Whether you are looking for Aladdin party ideas or gift ideas, this kit is an awesome thing to include!

One of my go-to activities for kids at parties is to have a play dough station with several colors of play dough and loose parts to spark their imaginations. It is so much fun to create a kit based on a party theme and this one, with the colorful gems and gold nuggets, did not disappoint!

This activity must be supervised. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How To Make Play Dough

In this video you’ll see our favorite play dough recipe! It comes out so silky and smooth. You can use food coloring to make any color you’d like as well.

We use this play dough recipe in all of our play dough kits. It can last for several months, up to 6 months if stored properly!

For all the details on how you can make play dough, I’ve explained the step by step instructions and other tips for making the perfect batch.

How To Make Play Dough

In this video you’ll see our favorite play dough recipe! It comes out so silky and smooth. You can use food coloring to make any color you’d like as well.

We use this play dough recipe in all of our play dough kits. It can last for several months, up to 6 months if stored properly!

For all the details on how you can make play dough, I’ve explained the step by step instructions and other tips for making the perfect batch.

How to Assemble This Aladdin Party Idea

There is always a benefit to making play dough kits! We have made lots of different themes including ocean, cupcake, Frozen, and insect, to name a few! Here is my handy list of items to think about including when assembling kits of any theme. Plus, keep reading for the specific items I included in this kit!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Start by making the homemade play dough. Don’t forget the coloring to make the play dough fun and different colors.

Step 2

Let the cooked play dough cool down, and then the play dough will be ready to add to the kit.

Step 3

Load the container up with all the decorative pieces, and it’s ready to go!

Step 1

Start by making the homemade play dough. Don’t forget the coloring to make the play dough fun and different colors.

Step 2

Let the cooked play dough cool down, and then the play dough will be ready to add to the kit.

Step 3

Load the container up with all the decorative pieces, and it’s ready to go!

Benefits of Creating a Play Dough Kit

Playing with play dough in general, is such a fantastic way to strengthen fine motor skills and provide a rich sensory experience.

I love that these play dough kits are a great way to keep everything neat in one simple storage case. This teaches the kids the importance of picking up after themselves, too, and keeps it all compiled in one easy and accessible location.

The kits allow the kids to stay focused, be creative, and use their imaginations all at once. As a mom who is always busy, this is such a great bonus to have these kits on hand! When the kids need activity, they have their kits to turn to!

For more fun sensory play activities, check out our comprehensive list!

Benefits of Creating a Play Dough Kit

Playing with play dough in general, is such a fantastic way to strengthen fine motor skills and provide a rich sensory experience.

I love that these play dough kits are a great way to keep everything neat in one simple storage case. This teaches the kids the importance of picking up after themselves, too, and keeps it all compiled in one easy and accessible location.

The kits allow the kids to stay focused, be creative, and use their imaginations all at once. As a mom who is always busy, this is such a great bonus to have these kits on hand! When the kids need activity, they have their kits to turn to!

For more fun sensory play activities, check out our comprehensive list!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases.

Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

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The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Practical Life Skills – DIY Learning Board

practical life skill fine motor skill board zipping tying buckling

Buckling, zipping, tying: these are all practical life skills that take time and practice! This DIY board is a fun way to help kids learn! With three different sections included, the kids can learn how to tie shoes, buckle a belt, and zip up a shirt, strengthening fine motor skills and building confidence along the way!

The Importance of Practical Life Skills

The activities that you’re going to create on this board are all very important for the kids to learn as they will use those skills for the rest of their life. Tying and zipping and buckling are not only done on clothes and shoes but they’re also used daily in other aspects of life.

This shows the kids the importance of being independent so that they can start working on all these skills on their own. This will help with their confidence and allow them to practice over and over again until they succeed!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How We Created Our Life Skill Board

Since the kids are all about trying to do things on their own, they loved diving in and making this board. They were super pumped that it had three parts to it that worked on various new skills that they’re trying to master.

We like to choose some time daily to sit down and work on this board.

A Budget Friendly DIY Toy for Learning Practical Life Skills!

Cardboard, glue, and some leftover clothing helped to create this DIY practical life skills board!

For example, save a zipper from an old sweater, a buckle from an old bag, or a shoelace from an old shoe! All of these things can be used for a busy board like this!

You can even add buttons and clips to provide even more fine motor skills opportunities!

Tips for A Practical Life Skills Board

As mentioned above, there is no need to spend a lot of money on this! Save old clothing, shoes, and bags and use the materials from them to build this practical life skills board.

Cardboard makes a great board because it is cheap and sturdy! To make the cardboard colorful, I like to use tempera paint sticks because they are vibrant like paint, but roll on like a crayon and dry in seconds!

Also make sure you use a strong glue, like tacky glue. Since kiddos will be tugging at the strings, zipper, and buckle, you’ll want to make sure everything adheres well!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Cardboard
Paint Sticks
Zipper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Cut out cardboard shapes for the shoes, shirt, and pants.

Step 2

Have the kids color them in and glue them on a sheet of cardboard.

Step 3

Add the laces to the shoes, the belt to the pants, and the zipper to the shirt.

Step 4

They can then work on tying, zipping, and buckling over and over again.

Step 1

Cut out cardboard shapes for the shoes, shirt, and pants.

Step 2

Have the kids color them in and glue them on a sheet of cardboard.

Step 3

Add the laces to the shoes, the belt to the pants, and the zipper to the shirt.

Step 4

They can then work on tying, zipping, and buckling over and over again.

More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

The three practical life skills covered in this activity all require the strengthening of fine motor skills.

While we definitely don’t want to encourage our kiddos to cut their own hair, this free printable haircutting activity is so much fun and will allow your kiddos to strengthen their fine motor skills while also learning the practical life skill of cutting!

For more fine motor skills activities, visit our comprehensive list!

scissor skill printable fun haircut worksheet for preschoolers and toddlers learning how to cut and strengthen fine motor skills

More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

The three practical life skills covered in this activity all require the strengthening of fine motor skills.

While we definitely don’t want to encourage our kiddos to cut their own hair, this free printable haircutting activity is so much fun and will allow your kiddos to strengthen their fine motor skills while also learning the practical life skill of cutting!

For more fine motor skills activities, visit our comprehensive list!

Top Picks for Strengthening Practical Life Skills

Here are some great gifts for continuing to strengthen practical life skills!

Fabric Busy Book

This high quality fabric busy book is jam packed with practical life and fine motor skill activities! From dressing, to tying, buckling, and beyond!

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wooden sensory bin tools that are great for fine motor skills through play

Sensory Bowls and Tools

Scooping, pouring, and transferring are all important practice life skills! This set of wooden bowls, scoops, and a tong are great for sensory play!

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Screw Driver Board

This car shaped screw driver board is a fun way for kids to learn how to screw and thread real life objects while using real life tools!

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practical life skills busy board book fine motor skills

Activity Board

This alligator shaped busy board will help young kids learn even more practical life skills. It is lightweight and folds into a book for easy carrying on the go!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Pumpkin Activities – Being Creative with a Real Pumpkin

pumpkin activities growing pumpkin seeds in a pumpkin making a pumpkin flower pot growing plants in a pumpkin

These pumpkin activities are a fun way for kids to crack open a pumpkin and create some fun festive decor while learning about plants!

Using a pumpkin as the pot, you can use it to contain a bouquet of cut flowers, or be the home to flowers still growing in dirt, and our absolute favorite, growing pumpkin seeds inside the pumpkin itself! Keep on reading to find out how to make each!

Pumpkin Activities Double As Fall Decor

From planting seeds, to replanting flowers, and assembling cut flowers, so much can be learned about gardening and pumpkins while making Fall decor in the process! We love using these as centerpieces on our Thanksgiving table, and on our front porch during Halloween!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See How to Make 3 Pumpkin Activities!

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make festive floral arrangements inside the pumpkin itself!

Plus, you’ll see how fun it is to plant the pumpkin’s seeds right back inside the pumpkin! It takes less than 7 days to see the pumpkin sprouts arise from the dirt.

This is a great opportunity to talk about living plants, cut plants, and planting seeds!

Watch the Video to See How to Make 3 Pumpkin Activities!

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make festive floral arrangements inside the pumpkin itself!

Plus, you’ll see how fun it is to plant the pumpkin’s seeds right back inside the pumpkin! It takes less than 7 days to see the pumpkin sprouts arise from the dirt.

This is a great opportunity to talk about living plants, cut plants, and planting seeds!

How to Make a “Hairy Pumpkin” and Other Pumpkin Activities

The supplies are simple and super adaptable! Grown ups should do the cutting of the top of the pumpkins, but kiddos can lead the rest!

Each activity has it’s own process, but the results for each are stunning and the perfect Fall decor!

For the “Hairy Pumpkin,” not only is it fun to plant the seeds and see sprouts grow within a week, but you could also extend the activity by treating it like a chia pet and giving the pumpkin a haircut! Alternatively, if your weather permits it, you can plant the pumpkin and perhaps grow your own pumpkin patch for next year!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Pumpkins
Carving Tools
Tin Can
Soil

Cut Flowers
Potted Flowers
Permanent Marker

Pumpkins
Carving Tools
Tin Can
Soil
Cut Flowers
Potted Flowers
Permanent Marker

Step-by-Step Instructions

To Make the “Hairy Pumpkin”

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin and pierce the bottom a few times for drainage. Then, have your kiddos: remove the seeds, add dirt into the pumpkin shell, sprinkle seeds on top, and cover seeds with dirt. Give water and sunlight, and within a week, you should see sprouts!

For a Halloween look, use a black permanent marker to create eyes, a nose, and a mouth for a pumpkin face!

Keep in mind that the pumpkins will start to decompose (the warmer the climate, the quicker). We had to keep ours inside with air-conditioned temperature. When we tried this outside, the pumpkins rotted very quickly, and birds ate the seeds!

To Use the Pumpkin as Pot for Plants

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin and pierce the bottom a few times for drainage. Then, have your kiddos: remove the seeds and add a potted plant. You can use flowers or herbs for example! Add extra dirt if necessary and water regularly. We keep these inside as table centerpieces and bring them outside during the days leading up to Halloween!

To Use the Pumpkin as a Vase

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin. Then, have your kiddos remove the seeds, add a tin can inside the pumpkin, fill with water, and add the cut flowers into the can! This beautiful arrangement also makes for a great centerpiece!

To Make the “Hairy Pumpkin”

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin and pierce the bottom a few times for drainage. Then, have your kiddos: remove the seeds, add dirt into the pumpkin shell, sprinkle seeds on top, and cover seeds with dirt. Give water and sunlight, and within a week, you should see sprouts!

For a Halloween look, use a black permanent marker to create eyes, a nose, and a mouth for a pumpkin face!

Keep in mind that the pumpkins will start to decompose (the warmer the climate, the quicker). We had to keep ours inside with air-conditioned temperature. When we tried this outside, the pumpkins rotted very quickly, and birds ate the seeds!

To Use the Pumpkin as Pot for Plants

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin and pierce the bottom a few times for drainage. Then, have your kiddos: remove the seeds and add a potted plant. You can use flowers or herbs for example! Add extra dirt if necessary and water regularly. We keep these inside as table centerpieces and bring them outside during the days leading up to Halloween!

To Use the Pumpkin as a Vase

Adult to cut the top of the pumpkin. Then, have your kiddos remove the seeds, add a tin can inside the pumpkin, fill with water, and add the cut flowers into the can! This beautiful arrangement also makes for a great centerpiece!

Don’t Miss Our Halloween Printable Activities!

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

halloween worksheets printable early childhood education skills

Don’t Miss Our Halloween Printable Activities!

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

More Ways to Explore Gardening with Kids

Here are my top picks for gifts for a little one who has a green thumb!

science-experiment-food-earth-day-activity

Plant Growth Kit

This kit provides the perfect view of the plant life cycle. It comes with this self-standing planter that can be placed on a tabletop or window sill.

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science-experiment-food-growing-planting-kids

Kid’s Workbench

This 2-in-1, child-sized potting bench has a flat work surface for seed starting, potting up plants and maintaining potted plants.

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Veggie Garden Kit

This egg carton garden includs 6 packages of heirloom seeds, starter soil, wooden stakes, instructions, a journal, and the egg carton planter!

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science-experiment-food-growing-gardening-kids

Wooden Gardening Pretend Play Toy

This adorable set is a great way to spark a young gardener’s imagination. It comes with 3 seed packets, 3 flower pots with a sunflower, carrot and tomato plant!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Halloween Activity for Toddlers – Make a Shape Sorter

Halloween Activity for Toddlers – Make a Pumpkin Shape Sorter

halloween activity for toddler pumpkin shape sorter learning play craft

This pumpkin shape sorter is a fun Halloween activity for toddlers! It is where crafting, playing, and learning collide with a pumpkin twist! Keep on reading to find out how we made it!

A Halloween Activity for Toddlers with Lots of Emotions!

Not only is this activity great for fine motor skills and learning the early math skill of shape recognition, but I love how you can create a collection of pumpkins to showcase so many emotions!

This is a great opportunity to talk about feelings and put a name to each emotion. If you are looking for more emotion-related activities, be sure to check out our Easy DIY Feelings Cup activity!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages: 3 Years +

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Watch How Fun This Halloween Activity for Toddlers is!

Making a DIY shape sorter is super easy. Get the kids involved in crafting the pumpkins and making them orange with a green stem!

I love how this activity involves so many fun skills. They can tap into their creative side while crafting the pumpkins, learn about emotions, recognize and distinguish between a bunch of different shapes, all the while working out their small muscles in their hands and fingers as they push the shapes through the sorter (this is so great for fine motor skills!).

Watch How Fun This Halloween Activity for Toddlers is!

Making a DIY shape sorter is super easy. Get the kids involved in crafting the pumpkins and making them orange with a green stem!

I love how this activity involves so many fun skills. They can tap into their creative side while crafting the pumpkins, learn about emotions, recognize and distinguish between a bunch of different shapes, all the while working out their small muscles in their hands and fingers as they push the shapes through the sorter (this is so great for fine motor skills!).

Tips for Making Pumpkin This Shape Sorter

This DIY toy is super adaptable! Since we had such an odd sized box, I decided to use it and have the kiddos make a bunch of pumpkins stacked vertically on top of each other, but feel free to adjust based on the kind of box you have! If it is a small one, then just make 1 pumpkin, if it is a big one, make a bunch. It is up to you!

Make sure that you have an opening for the blocks to fall out (my kids love hearing them fall on a metal pan!), or if you prefer they don’t fall out, just make sure you leave an opening in the box so you can retrieve the blocks so the kids can play over and over again!

If your are learning shapes with your toddler or preschooler, be sure to check out our Shapes Monster Craft. It’s perfect for the spooky season and can be even used as a Halloween decor gardland!

Materials

Cardboard Pieces and Cardboard Box
Paint Sticks
Pencil
Hot Glue

Sharp Craft Knife
Shapes
Tape (if you want to secure the box to the wall)

Cardboard Pieces and Cardboard Box
Paint Sticks
Pencil
Hot Glue
Sharp Craft Knife
Shapes
Tape (if you want to secure the box to the wall)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Using cardboard, cut out the shapes of pumpkins.

Step 2

Provide art supplies for the kids to decorate the pumpkins. We used orange and green paint sticks.

Step 3

Once dry, use a pencil to trace the shapes for the eyes and mouths of the pumpkins. Make them each look different so you can talk about emotions! Plus, add a nose!

Step 4

Glue the pumpkins to your box.

Step 5

Use a sharp craft knife to cut out the eyes and mouths, cutting all the way through both layers of cardboard so that the block pieces will enter and fall into the box.

Step 6

Tape to the wall for a vertical set up! And now this Halloween activity for toddlers and preschoolers is ready to be played with!

Step 1

Using cardboard, cut out the shapes of pumpkins.

Step 2

Provide art supplies for the kids to decorate the pumpkins. We used orange and green paint sticks.

Step 3

Once dry, use a pencil to trace the shapes for the eyes and mouths of the pumpkins. Make them each look different so you can talk about emotions! Plus, add a nose!

Step 4

Glue the pumpkins to your box.

Step 5

Use a sharp craft knife to cut out the eyes and mouths, cutting all the way through both layers of cardboard so that the block pieces will enter and fall into the box.

Step 6

Tape to the wall for a vertical set up! And now this Halloween activity for toddlers and preschoolers is ready to be played with!

More Halloween Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

For more printable activities, visit our full collection!

More Halloween Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

This printable bundle of Halloween-themed activities is full of Halloween activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartens to learn early childhood education skills!

It has 2 dozen unique activities that will be sure to keep the kids busy and learning the whole month of October!

Activities include shape recognition, matching, phonics, letter recognition, counting, number recognition, coloring, writing practice, scissor skills, emotions, measurements, and patterns to name a few!

More Ways to Play with Shapes

Here are my top picks for shape themed gifts!

Wooden Block Shape Train

This wooden stacking train is a fun way to combine block play, shape learning, and building! This set comes with the train car and 15 blocks.

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Wooden Gemoetric Shape Puzzle

This set comes with 155 pieces of different color blocks for creating different forms contained in 24 design cards.

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Wooden Shape Puzzle

This wooden puzzle includes 18 shape pieces a cotton bag. I love that it features so many types of shapes!

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Shape Sorting Truck

This versatile shape sorting tooy includes 15 shapes and a laser engraved pull-a-long truck!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Iron On Cricut Shirt – How to Make It!

iron on cricut t-shirt diy hispanic heritage month

Making shirts and other custom clothing is so easy with the Cricut Joy! Iron on Cricut material makes things so simple and beginner friendly!

My children’s school is big into celebrations! Almost every month I am finding myself creating another iron on Cricut shirt for them to wear to school! This “Hola!” shirt design was made for Hispanic Heritage Month, but it came out so cute, they’ll be wearing it all year long!

The Simplicity of Iron On Cricut Material!

The Cricut Joy is so user friendly, below I explain the easy steps that will have you making shirts in minutes! Iron on Cricut material is just one of the many useful supplies that Cricut provides for DIY projects. All you need for this project is the iron on Cricut material and a few simple supplies to get started, and you’ll be shocked at how easy custom shirts are to create! Plus, you can easily make them in a wide variety of sizes so that everyone in the family can have their own.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Create a Shirt Using Iron on Cricut Material

Watch the video to see how we used iron on Cricut material to make the cutest, most colorful shirt to honor Hispanic Heritage Month! Featuring the countries with spanish-speaking was a fun way to integrate text with images. Some of the hispanic countries were quite small, but were able to iron perfectly!

We wanted to include many colors, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to see how each layer irons on the shirt with ease!

How to Create a Shirt Using Iron on Cricut Material

Watch the video to see how we used iron on Cricut material to make the cutest, most colorful shirt to honor Hispanic Heritage Month! Featuring a map with Spanish speaking countries was a fun way to integrate text with images. Some of the hispanic countries were quite small, but were able to iron perfectly!

We wanted to include many colors, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to see how each layer irons on the shirt with ease!

Tips for Using Iron On Cricut Material

What Iron Should I Use? Traditional irons aren’t the perfect heating option for shirts using iron on Cricut material. This is because irons have holes with inconsistent temperatures that will make the process more difficult and less precise. The best option is to get one of the many varieties of Cricut’s Heat Presse Machines. We have the Mini!

What’s the best way to remove iron negative pieces of Cricut material? The negative pieces are extra pieces of material that you will need to remove as they aren’t meant to be ironed on. The best tool for this is Cricut’s weeder tool!

When Can Kids Start Making Their Own Projects on the Cricut? Kids can start to explore making amazing projects on the Cricut Joy as early as 9 years old with adult supervision. And by 13 years old, they can independently use it! They will have so much fun making as many Cricut shirt designs, cards, labels, and more!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Head to the Cricut Design Space App and choose a project, upload a SVG file, or create your own design in the app using the fonts and shapes available.

Step 2

Based on the size of your shirt, be sure to adjust the size of your design so it fits perfectly.

Step 3

Click the make it button.

Step 4

If using a text design, be sure to select the mirror button.

Step 5

Follow the prompts selecting the correct insert material and then inserting it (shiny side down) into the Cricut Joy to be cut.

Step 6

Once cut, use your weeding tool to remove the excess material.

Step 7

Finally, heat the Easy Press and iron on your design to the shirt! Note: standard irons are not recommended because they do not distribute the heat in the same even way as the Easy Press.

Step 1

Head to the Cricut Design Space App and choose a project, upload a SVG file, or create your own design in the app using the fonts and shapes available.

Step 2

Based on the size of your shirt, be sure to adjust the size of your design so it fits perfectly.

Step 3

Click the make it button.

Step 4

If using a text design, be sure to select the mirror button.

Step 5

Follow the prompts selecting the correct insert material and then inserting it (shiny side down) into the Cricut Joy to be cut.

Step 6

Once cut, use your weeding tool to remove the excess material.

Step 7

Finally, heat the Easy Press and iron on your design to the shirt! Note: standard irons are not recommended because they do not distribute the heat in the same even way as the Easy Press.

More DIY Shirt Inspiration Using the Cricut Joy!

If you love our Hola! shirt, you have to check out this easy-to-make “be kind” shirt too!

The message is so sweet, and using a yellow colored shirt truly allows the words to radiate and shine!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

More DIY Shirt Inspiration Using the Cricut Joy!

If you love our Hola! shirt, you have to check out this easy-to-make “be kind” shirt too!

The message is so sweet, and using a yellow colored shirt truly allows the words to radiate and shine!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

More Ways Kids Can Create!

Here are my top picks for kits for kids who love DIY projects!

Monthly Creative Kits

Every month this subscription delivers not 1, but 2 kits. Each has everything you need to craft with minimal adult supervision including painting, beading, stitching, paper crafting, and much more.

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Monthly Woodworking Projects

These kits introduce a wide variety of woodworking skills including learning to use small screws and nails, handling a hammer, learning how to measure, and so much more!

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Pottery Wheel for Kids

A fun way to create your own decorative air dry pottery. It is great for beginners. It comes with 2 lbs of air dry clay, paints, apron, a 2 speed wheel with attachments, and more.

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DIY Soap and Bath Bombs

This kit comes with supplies to make 10 soaps and 10 bath bombs. You can also create salt scrubs and fizzy bath salts. A fun way to create and learn science at the same time!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Hydrophobic Sand – How to Make Magic Sand

hydrophobic sand magic sand science project for kids water resistant

Hydrophobic sand, also known as Magic Sand, is sand that doesn’t get wet! The kids are going to be obsessed with this Magic Sand! It’s literally sand that just doesn’t get wet! Just when you thought that it sand couldn’t get any better, along comes this simple sensory activity that is going to have the kids thinking that you have a bunch of magic tricks hiding up your sleeves! Keep on reading to find out how to make this fun science-based activity for kids!

What is Hydrophobic Sand?

If something is hydrophobic it means it repeals water and cannot be mixed with it. For example, oil is hydrophobic and so are some leaves. Sand is not normally hydrophobic. Rather, when it comes in contact with water, dry sand will become wet and moldable – after all, that’s the beauty of building sand castles! This recipe adds a water-repellant to the sand making it hydrophobic so that when it is immersed in water you can take it out and it will still be perfectly dry, like magic!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch How to Make Hydrophobic Sand

The kids just might not believe you right away when you tell them that this sand is water-resistant. How in the world can there be sand that doesn’t absorb water and instantly become a sticky and messy mess?

Making Magic Sand is super easy, it just requires 2 supplies, including the sand. Since it involves using a lot of water-proof spray I recommend that the grown ups are the ones who make this and the kids can enjoy the magic once it’s done!

Watch How to Make Hydrophobic Sand

The kids just might not believe you right away when you tell them that this sand is water-resistant. How in the world can there be sand that doesn’t absorb water and instantly become a sticky and messy mess?

Making Magic Sand is super easy, it just requires 2 supplies, including the sand. Since it involves using a lot of water-proof spray I recommend that the grown ups are the ones who make this and the kids can enjoy the magic once it’s done!

Setting Up a Hydrophobic Sand Activity

This activity is so adaptable! I included Sponge Bob Squarepants figurines in our set up, but feel free to switch that up, or simply focus on the hydrophobic sand by itself.

This is a great opportunity to showcase the science of a something being hydrophobic. You could have one cup of Magic Sand and one cup that has not been made into Magic Sand and have your kiddo compare the results of when each sand comes in contact with water.

I used pre-colored sand for this to save some time, but you don’t even need any color at all to enjoy the magic of hydrophobic sand. However, whether you used colored sand or not, make sure you use a sand that is coarse. The finer the sand, the hard it will to be to apply the water-proof spray.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Sand (the coarser the better!)
Water-proof spray
Baking pan

Aluminum foil
Tape (optional)

Sand (the coarser the better!)
Water-proof spray
Baking pan
Aluminum foil
Tape (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

On a baking pan lined with aluminum foil, spread out a thin layer of sand. If you are making multiple colors, you may want to separate them with a taped foil partition as pictured in the video! That way, the colors are less likely to mix (and you save yourself multiple pans to clean!)

Step 2

Spray the sand with water-proof spray (to be performed by an adult!)

Step 3

Let the sand dry for about 10-15 minutes.

For best results, repeat steps 2 and 3 at least a few times. We did it three times.

Allow the sand to dry. Since our layer was on the thicker side, we let it dry overnight.

Step 1

On a baking pan lined with aluminum foil, spread out a thin layer of sand. If you are making multiple colors, you may want to separate them with a taped foil partition as pictured in the video! That way, the colors are less likely to mix (and you save yourself multiple pans to clean!)

Step 2

Spray the sand with water-proof spray (to be performed by an adult!)

Step 3

Let the sand dry for about 10-15 minutes. For best results, repeat steps 2 and 3 at least a few times. We did it three times.

Allow the sand to dry. Since our layer was on the thicker side, we let it dry overnight.

Tips for Making Hydrophobic Sand

Sand Type. Make sure it is not too fine. The goal when applying the water-resistant spray is to cover the grain of sand entirely. So the coarser the sand, the easier it will be to cover without having to apply the spray a million times!

Thin Layer. Keep the layer of sand you are spraying thin. The deeper the batch you are working with, the longer it will take for the spray to dry to make the sand hydrophobic!

For more sensory play or science-based activities visit our comprehensive lists!

Tips for Making Hydrophobic Sand

Sand Type. Make sure it is not too fine. The goal when applying the water-resistant spray is to cover the grain of sand entirely. So the coarser the sand, the easier it will be to cover without having to apply the spray a million times!

Thin Layer. Keep the layer of sand you are spraying thin. The deeper the batch you are working with, the longer it will take for the spray to dry to make the sand hydrophobic!

For more sensory play or science-based activities visit our comprehensive lists!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for sensory activities that kids will love!

Hydrophobic Sand Kit

If you want to do this activity, but are short on time, this hydrophobic sand kit is for you! It comes with 6 colors, a jar, and a small mesh strainer!

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Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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Water Beads

This set comes in 3 different sizes – small, medium, and large. Water beads are non toxic and reusable, and recommended for children 3 and up.

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Letter Recognition Activity – DIY Game to Learn the ABCs

letter recognition activity alphabet tree

This DIY letter recognition activity is where learning the ABCs & cutting skills collide! Pick the alphabet fruit and match it to the basket! Keep on reading to find out how to make it out of recycled materials and common craft supplies! Plus, get the pre-printable version if you are short on time and can’t make the DIY version!

Where Letter Recognition and Scissor Skills Collide!

This is such a tactile way to learn letters! Cutting off the alphabet fruit is not only fun, but great for cutting skills which is one of the best fine motor activities to build muscle strength in the hands and fingers! Once the game is played with once, you can either re-glue on the alphabet fruit to the tree for more cutting practice next time, or you could skip the cutting and use velcro stickers instead!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make This Letter Recognition Activity

This DIY game will take more than a few minutes to create, but will be well worth the effort! Plus, if you choose to craft the tree and basket together with your kiddos, it’s an added arts and crafts activity! The best part is that the supplies are so simple – we love reusing paper towel tubes!

Of course, if you don’t have time to make this DIY game, keep on reading to get our free printable version that is quicker to set up!

How to Make This Letter Recognition Activity

This DIY game will take more than a few minutes to create, but will be well worth the effort! Plus, if you choose to craft the tree and basket together with your kiddos, it’s an added arts and crafts activity! The best part is that the supplies are so simple – we love reusing paper towel tubes!

Of course, if you don’t have time to make this DIY game, keep on reading to get our free printable version that is quicker to set up!

letter recognition alphabet matching worksheet printable

Free Printable Version of This Letter Recognition Activity

I know that grown ups get busy, and it may be hard to find the time to make DIY learning games like this. That’s why we made a printable version of this letter recognition activity! And it’s totally FREE! It will be quicker to set up and yet will still provide all the great letter learning skills that the DIY version does! You can also task your kiddo to cut out the apples and they’ll also get the added bonus of a cutting skills activity!

If you are looking for more printable activities related to the alphabet, be sure to check out our Alphabet Tracing Cards, Alphabet Flash Cards, and our Alphabet Matching Puzzle as well.

And don’t miss our full comprehensive list of alphabet learning activities!

Materials

2 Paper Tubes
Paper
Glue
Cardboard

2 Paper Tubes
Paper
Glue
Cardboard
Adhesive Paper
Markers
Kid-Friendly Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

To Make the Tree:

Step 1

Cut one paper roll into three pieces and then glue them together to make the branches.

Step 2

On the other paper roll, create some slits to slide the branches into.

Step 3

Cut out the leaves and glue them to the tree.

Step 4

Cut out the circles for the fruit and write down the letters of the alphabet on them.

Step 5

Glue the circles onto the tree by the stem only.

To Make the Basket:

Step 1

Draw a basket on top of a piece of cardboard, making circles with lowercase letters on them to match with the alphabet fruit.

Step 2

Tape sticky paper (sticky side up) onto the cardboard so that the fruit cutouts can be stuck on them.

To Play:

Give the kids scissors and let them cut the fruit. Have them say the letter that they have out loud and then have them stick it onto the matching letter on the fruit basket.

To Make the Tree:

Step 1

Cut one paper roll into three pieces and then glue them together to make the branches.

Step 2

On the other paper roll, create some slits to slide the branches into.

Step 3

Cut out the leaves and glue them to the tree.

Step 4

Cut out the circles for the fruit and write down the letters of the alphabet on them.

Step 5

Glue the circles onto the tree by the stem only.

To Make the Basket:

Step 1

Draw a basket on top of a piece of cardboard, making circles with lowercase letters on them to match with the alphabet fruit.

Step 2

Tape sticky paper (sticky side up) onto the cardboard so that the fruit cutouts can be stuck on them.

To Play:

Give the kids scissors and let them cut the fruit. Have them say the letter that they have out loud and then have them stick it onto the matching letter on the fruit basket.

The Educational Benefits of This Letter Recognition Activity

The most significant advantage of this activity is that it’s a really fun way for the kids to work on learning the alphabet. The more that they see, touch, feel, and say letters, the faster they’re going to learn them. This is an extra fun way to start making the connections between uppercase and lowercase letters.

Kids will also love being able to use their fine motor skills to work on their cutting practice too. This will help them cut out the fruit and then use their fingers to find and match the same letter.

The Educational Benefits of This Letter Recognition Activity

The most significant advantage of this activity is that it’s a really fun way for the kids to work on learning the alphabet. The more that they see, touch, feel, and say letters, the faster they’re going to learn them. This is an extra fun way to start making the connections between uppercase and lowercase letters.

Kids will also love being able to use their fine motor skills to work on their cutting practice too. This will help them cut out the fruit and then use their fingers to find and match the same letter.

More Ways to Encourage Alphabet Learning

Here are my top picks for letter recognition activities that teach both uppercase and lowercase letters!

Wooden Uppercase and Lowercase Matching Puzzle

This beautifully crafted interlocking wooden puzzle is a great way to explore uppercase and lowercase letters.

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ABC Picture Puzzles

This picture puzzle is not only a great letter recognition activity, but can be used for word creation, color recognition, memory, and fine motor skills!

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alphabet matching game puzzlealphabet matching game puzzle popsicle

Alphabet Popsicle Match

This hands on alphabet recognition game is a fun way to match uppercase and lowercase letters!

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Alphabet Worm Puzzle

This fun puzzle is shaped like a worm. By including both lowercase and uppercase letters, this is a fun way for kids to be able to match the alphabet!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Fall Leaf Craft – From Green to Beautiful Autumn Colors

This Fall leaf craft is such a fun way to discover the beautiful colors of Autumn! Transform a green leaf into a Fall leaf scratch off style! Keep reading to find out how we did it and to get our free Fall leaf printable!

A Fall Leaf Craft That Magically Transforms

If making a Fall leaf craft wasn’t fun enough, this activity is all about showing the magical transformation of a green leaf as it changes it’s colors to the vibrant red, orange, and yellows of the Autumn season!

Kids love to pick and scratch on various things, so this is what makes this fun reveal activity a huge hit. It really does end up being like magic once they scratch away that top green acrylic coating!

Plus, all that scratching is great for fine motor skills!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages: 3 Years +

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Watch This Fall Leaf Craft How-To Video

What I love about this fun Fall leaf craft is that it’s something the kids can be part of from start to finish. From coloring the deeply reach Fall colors, to painting over it in green paint, only to scratch away and reveal the colors underneath again!

And once they’re done, they can then have the leaves hang up as decoration all around the house! It’s a fun and simple way to showcase their art so that everyone can enjoy seeing it!

Watch This Fall Leaf Craft How-To Video

What I love about this fun Fall leaf craft is that it’s something the kids can be part of from start to finish. From coloring the deeply reach Fall colors, to painting over it in green paint, only to scratch away and reveal the colors underneath again!

And once they’re done, they can then have the leaves hang up as decoration all around the house! It’s a fun and simple way to showcase their art so that everyone can enjoy seeing it!

Get the Free Printable Leaf Template!

We made things extra easy for you to set up this activity with a free printable leaf template! Each printable comes with a set of different leaves in varying sizes.

Have the kiddos color and then cut them out for some extra fine motor skill strengthening!

Read on for the step-by-step instructions on making this fun Fall leaf craft as well as all the supplies we recommend for it.

If you are building your craft supply kit or needing to refreshen it, don’t miss our comprehensive list of arts and craft supplies!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Print and cut out our Fall Leaf template.

Step 2

Color the leaf in Fall colors – red, orange, yellows, and browns!

Step 3

Use green acrylic paint to cover the oil pastels.

Step 4

Once dried, use something (like a coin!) to scrape away at the green paint and reveal the fall leaf!

Step 1

Print and cut out our Fall Leaf template.

Step 2

Color the leaf in Fall colors – red, orange, yellows, and browns!

Step 3

Use green acrylic paint to cover the oil pastels.

Step 4

Once dried, use something (like a coin!) to scrape away at the green paint and reveal the fall leaf!

The Science Behind This Fall Leaf Craft: Why Do Leaves Change Color?

This fun Fall leaf craft is the perfect activity to do during the changing seasons to talk about what it means to transition from summer to winter – the weather cools and it’s a time when we may celebrate holidays and special occasions like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa. And of course it is the time when the leaves change and fall!

But why do leaves change colors?

Chlorophyll makes leaves a green color. Chlorophyll is located in the cells of leaves and helps to make the nutrients for the tree (process is called photosynthesis). When the sun is strong and the weather is hot, the leaves stay green as they make food for the tree.

However, when the weather gets colder the chlorophyll breaks down and the green color disappears revealing varying shades of colors from yellow to orange to red and purple.

The Science Behind This Fall Leaf Craft: Why Do Leaves Change Color?

This fun Fall leaf craft is the perfect activity to do during the changing seasons to talk about what it means to transition from summer to winter – the weather cools and it’s a time when we may celebrate holidays and special occasions like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa. And of course it is the time when the leaves change and fall!

But why do leaves change colors?

Chlorophyll makes leaves a green color. Chlorophyll is located in the cells of leaves and helps to make the nutrients for the tree (process is called photosynthesis). When the sun is strong and the weather is hot, the leaves stay green as they make food for the tree. However, when the weather gets colder the chlorophyll breaks down and the green color disappears revealing varying shades of colors from yellow to orange to red and purple.

More Arts and Crafts Projects to Explore

Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

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Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

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Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

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String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string. Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

DIY Car Toy – Genius Craft Made with Recyclables!

This DIY car toy is a genius way to use recycled materials for a craft you can play with! It also makes for a fun storage solution! This “car cabin” is a simple homemade way for kids to make a “garage” to store all their vehicles and be creative and inventive at the same time!

A Budget Friendly DIY Car Toy

Whether from a paper towel roll or a toilet paper roll, we always save up those cardboard paper tubes! And this was such a fun way to use them up without having to buy any supplies.

This activity is also a great way to get kids outside and looking for fun and unique items to add to their creations. For example, the roof can easily be made up of sticks so that it creates a natural cabin look.

For more arts and crafts activities, visit our comprehensive list of ideas! Our list of ideas is always growing, and we love sharing the creativity with all of you!

Skills: Early Math

Ages: 2 Years +

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

How to Make a DIY Car Toy Garage

This arts and crafts project is super adaptable! We decided to design it like a cabin, using the inside of the paper tubes as slots for the individual cars, and utilizing sticks outside for a textured roof! However, you can mix up the design, colors, and details based on your kiddo’s preferences!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make a DIY Car Toy Garage

This arts and crafts project is super adaptable! We decided to design it like a cabin, using the inside of the paper tubes as slots for the individual cars, and utilizing sticks outside for a textured roof! However, you can mix up the design, colors, and details based on your kiddo’s preferences!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Branches
Toy Cars

Paper Tubes
Hot Glue or Tacky Glue
Paint Sticks
Branches
Toy Cars

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Assemble the paper tubes in a triangle shape. We started with 5 at the base, and decreased by one with each layer. To stick them together quickly, use hot glue, but if you prefer the kiddo’s to glue on their own, then use tacky glue.

Step 2

Glue 4 toilet paper tubes at the base for a raised look. This also allows cars to ride and park underneath!

Step 3

Add 4 paper tube rolls on the roof sides. These make for fun ramps!

Step 4

Optional, add sticks to the roof or other items as details!

Step 5

Finally, have the kids color the paper tubes and sticks. If you use paint sticks, it will dry very quickly!

Step 1

Assemble the paper tubes in a triangle shape. We started with 5 at the base, and decreased by one with each layer. To stick them together quickly, use hot glue, but if you prefer the kiddo’s to glue on their own, then use tacky glue.

Step 2

Glue 4 toilet paper tubes at the base for a raised look. This also allows cars to ride and park underneath!

Step 3

Add 4 paper tube rolles on the roof sides. These make for fun ramps!

Step 4

Optional, add sticks to the roof or other items as details!

Step 5

Finally, have the kids color the paper tubes and sticks. If you use paint sticks, it will dry very quickly!

transportation printable worksheet kids cars trains planes boats

Printable Worksheets for the Transportation Fan!

From trains to planes to buses and boats, we created a bundle full of early childhood activities that integrate all things transportation!

These worksheets feature all things that move on land, air and sea while giving your little one a strong foundation for early childhood education skills.

Topics covered include letter writing, phonics, number recognition, counting, scissor skills, patterning, color recognition, and so much more.

And for more hands on transportation crafts, definitely check out our Milk Jug Car Wash and DIY Race Track made out of paper tubes!

The Educational Benefits of Crafting This DIY Car Toy

What’s better than an arts and crafts project? An arts and craft project you can play with time and time again!

Engaging in arts and crafts allows kids to be creative and utilize their fine motor skills. For example, they’ll have to use their hands and eyes to line up and coordinate stacking and gluing. Plus, this is the perfect way to introduce kids to engineering skills!

And let’s not forget about imaginative play! Once this DIY car toy is ready to be played with, kid’s can create the most amazing pretend world while playing and storing their cars.

The Educational Benefits of Crafting This DIY Car Toy

What’s better than an arts and crafts project? An arts and craft project you can play with time and time again!

Engaging in arts and crafts allows kids to be creative and tap utilize their fine motor skills. For example, they’ll have to use their hands and eyes to line up and coordinate stacking and gluing. Plus, this is the perfect way to introduce kids to engineering skills!

And let’s not forget about imaginative play! Once this DIY car toy is ready to be played with, kid’s can create the most amazing pretend world while playing and storing their cars.

More Ways to Explore Automobiles

Here are my top picks for gifts for the car and transportation fan!

Wooden Service Station

This wooden service station parking garage includes a car wash, numbered parking garage, a gas pump, garage with doors, an elevator, 2 cars!

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All-in-One Car Mat and Storage Bag

This play mat turns into a toy storage bag. Just pull the drawstrings to store the car toys for another day!

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Flexible Buildable Roads

These roads are like puzzle pieces! They are highly durable, flexible, and washable. You can be used in water and on dirt!

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Dual Lane Race Track

This handmade wooden race track allows two cars to race at once! Cars are included!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Cutting Skills – Silly Pet Salon for Strong Hand Muscles

pet salon cutting skills for kids strengthen hand muscles

Strengthen cutting skills while giving your kids their dream “job” with this fun pet salon activity! Best part? It’s made up of recyclables! This activity may take a little time to set up, but once done, you can use it over and over again!

Creative Ways to Explore Cutting Skills

When my oldest was struggling with his fine motor skills, I knew that working on his scissor skills would help him get on the right track. But handing him scissors and a paper wasn’t going to do the trick!

He needed to be engaged, and so I found creative ways for him to explore cutting skills. I found that he had the strongest connection to activities that had a specific purpose and result – like grooming his “dog” or cutting spoon people’s hair!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Where Imaginative Play and Cutting Skills Collide

This cutting activity is a great way to show kids how fast and straightforward it can be to upcycle items that you have sitting around the house. It is amazing how everyday objects can create something unique and inspire such amazing imaginative play.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Where Imaginative Play and Cutting Skills Collide

This cutting activity is a great way to show kids how fast and straightforward it can be to upcycle items that you have sitting around the house. It is amazing how everyday objects can create something unique and inspire such amazing imaginative play.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Setting Up This Activity

Use what you have! An egg carton, tin can, cardboard, and paper tubes were all we needed, but feel free to mix this up based on what you have and what type of pet you want to recreate!

Quick Adhesives. Use tape and hot glue to put everything together quickly!

Type of Paint. The coloring process was quick for us as I used a white spray paint that took minutes to spray and dry. However, there is no need to rush the process especially if you are crafting together – be creative and as colorful as you’d like using acrylic paint!

Type of Fur. We used yarn. It was the perfect texture and not too tough for the kids to cut through!

How to Reuse. Don’t toss your cardboard pet away when your kiddos are finished grooming! All you have to do is hot glue on more yarn and they can work on their cutting skills over and over again!

Materials

Tin Can
Egg Carton
Toilet Paper Tubes
Cardboard
Heavy Duty Tape

Tin Can
Egg Carton
Toilet Paper Tubes
Cardboard
Heavy Duty Tape
Spray Paint or Acrylic Paint
Yarn
Hot Glue
Googly Eyes
Kid-Safe or Toddler-Safe Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Start by taping or gluing together the parts of the body. Attach the tin can to the egg carton body and then attach to the toilet paper tube legs.

Step 2

Once all the pieces are attached, the kids can paint in whatever color they want. Alternatively, an adult can spray paint outside.

Step 3

After the paint dries, attach the googly eyes and the yarn with hot glue.

Step 4

Let the kids cut the different lengths of hair to give the dog a haircut!

Step 1

Start by taping or gluing together the parts of the body. Attach the tin can to the egg carton body and then attach to the toilet paper tube legs.

Step 2

Once all the pieces are attached, the kids can paint in whatever color they want. Alternatively, an adult can spray paint outside.

Step 3

After the paint dries, attach the googly eyes and the yarn with hot glue.

Step 4

Let the kids cut the different lengths of hair to give the dog a haircut!

FREE Printable Cutting Skills Activities

Grown ups are busy, I get it! That’s why I created a bunch of different FREE printable cutting worksheets.

If your kiddo loves this pet salon idea, you have to try our Spoon Salon activity!

We also have a very fun vertical cutting skills activity that will get kids on their feet and having fun with scissor skills!

If your little one is still learning how to hold the scissors in the right way, try our Cutting with Cars activity which encourages thumbs up!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

The Educational Benefits of the Pet Salon

There are a lot of great benefits to this silly grooming activity. This is the perfect kind of imaginative play that gives them independence while also boosting their confidence. Since they can help create this activity from start to finish, there’s no limit on how many times they can play with it again and again.

This cutting activity is also great for muscle building and hand muscle control too. This helps them get more strength in their hands and gives them the ability to have more control of their fine motor skills, too.

This can also be used as a fun activity to talk about the length of hair and comparing long, medium, and short.

This activity is building on such an essential practical life skill – cutting! It is a skill they will learn now and use the rest of their lives! For more fine motor skills activites visit our comprehensive list of play ideas!

The Educational Benefits of the Pet Salon

There are a lot of great benefits to this silly grooming activity. This is the perfect kind of imaginative play that gives them independence while also boosting their confidence. Since they can help create this activity from start to finish, there’s no limit on how many times they can play with it again and again.

This cutting activity is also great for muscle building and hand muscle control too. This helps them get more strength in their hands and gives them the ability to have more control of their fine motor skills, too.

This can also be used as a fun activity to talk about the length of hair and comparing long and short.

This activity is building on such an essential practical life skill – cutting! It is a skill they will learn now and use the rest of their lives! For more fine motor skills activites visit our comprehensive list of play ideas!

More Ways to Explore Cutting Skills

Here are my top picks for resources and items you can buy that strengthen toddler fine motor skills!

Scissor Skills Workbook

This set includes 3 workbooks all about scissor skills. Each book includes a pair of scissors!

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fine motor scissor skill game with apples

Apple Picking Game

This unique game includes magnetic apples that can be picked from the tree using a scooper scissor!

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Travel-Size Cutting Book

This small book is packed with scissor skills activities for children as young as 2 years old!

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Decorative Scissors

This fun set of scissors comes with 6 designs of patterns for decorating paper crafts!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Cricut Shirt Design – Be Kind – with Heat Transfer Vinyl

This “Be Kind” Cricut shirt design is adorable! The Cricut Joy is so user friendly, below I explain the easy steps that will have you making shirts in minutes! All you need are a few simple supplies to get started, and you’ll be shocked at how easy custom shirts are to create! Plus, you can easily make them in a wide variety of sizes so that everyone in the family can have their own.

DIY Cricut Shirt Design – Custom or Free Designs

It’s time to take fashion into your own hands and create cute shirts that have fantastic sayings on them. The Cricut App has a ton of free designs or you can make your own custom one! One of the best parts about using your Cricut Joy is that you can make your shirts saying anything that you’d like. We love the message on these shirts, and the kids love showing them off all the time!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to create a Be Kind Cricut Joy Shirt

While you do need a few simple supplies to get started, rest easy knowing that your Cricut Joy takes over and really does a lot of the hard work for you. This makes it super simple to make a customized shirt in no time at all! Don’t spend hours searching the store for a shirt when you can just make it at home instead.

How to Create a “Be Kind” Cricut Shirt Design

While you do need a few simple supplies to get started, rest easy knowing that your Cricut Joy takes over and really does a lot of the hard work for you. This makes it super simple to make a customized shirt in no time at all! Don’t spend hours searching the store for a shirt when you can just make it at home instead.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Making a Custom Cricut Shirt Design

Once you realize how easy it is to create your own sayings on shirts, there’s going to be no stopping you! Perfect for birthday shirts, fun holiday shirts, and just silly shirt ideas, too. As mentioned above, the Cricut design space has countless free projects and ones for purchase, but you can also make a custom design yourself.

To create your own custom design, head to Cricut’s design space and browse through the fonts to create text and/or use the many shapes to craft your design like we did with the “Be Kind” phrase and a happy face period!

Once you create or choose a design, just follow the simple prompts on the app to finalize your project. Just make certain that you take your time weeding as it can be a bit trickier around smaller letters and letters that are curvy.

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Head to the Cricut Design Space App and choose a project, upload a SVG file, or create your own design in the app using the fonts and shapes available.

Step 2

Based on the size of your shirt, be sure to adjust the size of your design so it fits perfectly.

Step 3

Click the make it button.

Step 4

If using a text design, be sure to select the mirror button.

Step 5

Follow the prompts selecting the correct insert material and then inserting it (shiny side down) into the Cricut Joy to be cut.

Step 6

Once cut, use your weeding tool to remove the excess material.

Step 7

Finally, heat the Easy Press and iron on your design to the shirt! Note: standard irons are not recommended because they do not distribute the heat in the same even way as the Easy Press.

Step 1

Head to the Cricut Design Space App and choose a project, upload a SVG file, or create your own design in the app using the fonts and shapes available.

Step 2

Based on the size of your shirt, be sure to adjust the size of your design so it fits perfectly.

Step 3

Click the make it button.

Step 4

If using a text design, be sure to select the mirror button.

Step 5

Follow the prompts selecting the correct insert material and then inserting it (shiny side down) into the Cricut Joy to be cut.

Step 6

Once cut, use your weeding tool to remove the excess material.

Step 7

Finally, heat the Easy Press and iron on your design to the shirt! Note: standard irons are not recommended because they do not distribute the heat in the same even way as the Easy Press.

When Can Kids Start Learning and Enjoying the Cricut?

Kids can start to explore making amazing projects on the Cricut Joy as early as 9 years old with adult supervision. And by 13 years old, they can independently use it! They will have so much fun making as many Cricut shirt designs, cards, labels, and more!

What I love about creating shirts on the Cricut is that it’s really user-friendly for everyone, including kids. This not only teaches them that it’s possible to create things that they love, but perhaps it will inspire them to make their first kid-made business!

Plus, even younger kids can help with the weeding, this is an excellent fine motor skills activity. It’s also great for their hand-eye coordination and their concentration skills too.

I personally love the message that we used on this shirt, and it prompted great conversations with the kids about what they view as kindness towards others. Plus, kids have so many holiday and spirit-inspired days at school, they can easily make shirts for them without having to spend a bunch of money at the store!

When Can Kids Start Learning and Enjoying the Cricut?

Kids can start to explore making amazing projects on the Cricut Joy as early as 9 years old with adult supervision. And by 13 years old, they can independently use it! They will have so much fun making as many Cricut shirt designs, cards, labels, and more!

What I love about creating shirts on the Cricut is that it’s really user-friendly for everyone, including kids. This not only teaches them that it’s possible to create things that they love, but perhaps it will inspire them to make their first kid-made business!

Plus, even younger kids can help with the weeding, this is an excellent fine motor skills activity. It’s also great for their hand-eye coordination and their concentration skills too.

I personally love the message that we used on this shirt, and it prompted great conversations with the kids about what they view as kindness towards others. Plus, kids have so many holiday and spirit-inspired days at school, they can easily make shirts for them without having to spend a bunch of money at the store!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that strengthen toddler fine motor skills!

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Number Recognition Game – Feed Cookie Monster

number recognition game with cookie monster

Make your own Feed the Cookie Monster game. It is super budget friendly and teaches number recognition while strengthening fine motor skills.

This simple activity can be customized to fit almost any child’s skill level. Even little toddlers that can’t yet count will enjoy feeding the cookie monster – which strengthens their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Keep reading and discover how easy it is to make your very own cookie monster activity out of some cardboard!

For more early math activities, don’t miss our comprehensive list of easy to set up, and budget-friendly ideas!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See How to Make this Number Recognition Activity!

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make this number recognition activity. Bonus points for also talking about the digestive system while playing this game as you see cookie monster eat the cookies and have them make their way into his tummy!

You don’t have to change the actual activity for toddlers or older children, just change how they interact with it.

Watch the Video to See How to Make this Number Recognition Activity!

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make this number recognition activity. Bonus points for also talking about the digestive system while playing this game as you see cookie monster eat the cookies and have them make their way into his tummy!

You don’t have to change the actual activity for toddlers or older children, just change how they interact with it.

Number Recognition With Cookies

This is an activity that grows with your kiddos! As they touch and explore the cookies (and count the chocolate chip dots) they are seeing numbers in real life.

You can see in the video above how the older child played the activity, finding the numbers and counting the chocolate chips whereas the toddler simply enjoyed feeding Cookie Monster!

There are so many other things you can do with this simple activity (simple addition and subtraction for those that are ready for it!).

Here’s how to make a DIY number recognition for your kiddos. This is a basic tutorial, please change things up and make it fit your child’s needs.

If your kiddo loves this, you have to try our free printable Pizza Counting Worksheets as well as the Ice Cream Scoop Counting Worksheets!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Draw Cookie Monster on top of an old box;

Step 2

Cut a slot within the mouth and a hole for the belly;

Step 3

On the inside of the box, place down the plastic bag (zipper side up), ensuring that it begins above the mouth, and can be visible within the belly.

Step 4

Line up the plastic bag where the slot is, and cut the plastic around the slot to provide an opening for the cookies to enter;

Step 5

Secure the plastic bag on each side with tape, and secure the plastic around the mouth with tape as well. This will allow the cookies to enter through the mouth, and fall into the bag for a fun transparent view as well as easy retrieval.

Step 6

Secure the cardboard box to the wall with painters tape!

Step 1

Draw Cookie Monster on top of an old box;

Step 2

Cut a slot within the mouth and a hole for the belly;

Step 3

On the inside of the box, place down the plastic bag (zipper side up), ensuring that it begins above the mouth, and can be visible within the belly.

Step 4

Line up the plastic bag where the slot is, and cut the plastic around the slot to provide an opening for the cookies to enter;

Step 5

Secure the plastic bag on each side with tape, and secure the plastic around the mouth with tape as well. This will allow the cookies to enter through the mouth, and fall into the bag for a fun transparent view as well as easy retrieval.

Step 6

Secure the cardboard box to the wall with painters tape!

Educational Benefits of This DIY Number Recognition Game

There are so many educational benefits of this simple activity. This is perfect for school readiness or to help your kiddos become more familiar with numbers. You can also adapt this activity as pictured!

Number Recognition: When you ask them to pick up the cookie with 6 chocolate chips, they have to match the amount of dots with the number. This one simple act exercises their number recognition. It also helps them see how much 1 chocolate chip is compared to 10 chips. This is the foundation of all math skills.

Early Math Skills: There are lots of early math skills that this one simple activity teaches. The first one is representation – making mathematics real by using pictures and objects (like chocolate chips). It also teaches patterns. As they grab the next number in line, they will discover that it has one more chocolate chip on the cookie.

If your child is ready for it, they can also practice and learn early addition and subtraction from it. Ask them, “Grab the cookie that is the answer to 3 chocolate chips plus 1 chocolate chip!”

And if you decide to make the Cookie Monster with the visible belly, this is a great opportunity to talk about the digestive system!

Educational Benefits of This DIY Number Recognition Game

There are so many educational benefits of this simple activity. This is perfect for school readiness or to help your kiddos become more familiar with numbers. You can also adapt this activity as pictured!

Number Recognition: When you ask them to pick up the cookie with 6 chocolate chips, they have to match the amount of dots with the number. This one simple act exercises their number recognition. It also helps them see how much 1 chocolate chip is compared to 10 chips. This is the foundation of all math skills.

Early Math Skills: There are lots of early math skills that this one simple activity teaches. The first one is representation – making mathematics real by using pictures and objects (like chocolate chips). It also teaches patterns. As they grab the next number in line, they will discover that it has one more chocolate chip on the cookie.

If your child is ready for it, they can also practice and learn early addition and subtraction from it. Ask them, “Grab the cookie that is the answer to 3 chocolate chips plus 1 chocolate chip!”

And if you decide to make the Cookie Monster with the visible belly, this is a great opportunity to talk about the digestive system!

Store-Bought Math Puzzles

Here are my top picks for the best math puzzles you can buy!

Pom Pom Counting Cupcakes

This Montessori activity uses soft pom poms and wooden cupcakes for early counting. It strengthens fine motor skills too.

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Wooden Number Puzzle

If you want something really simple, this is perfect! It’s a puzzle made of wooden numbers.

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Math Shapes Puzzle

This wooden puzzle lets your toddler match both the number with the correct amount of shapes.

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Colorful Dinosaur 3D Puzzle

Older kids will love putting together this 3D dinosaur puzzle. The numbers tell them in which order the pieces fit.

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is so much fun! Not only is it great for dinosaur lovers, but it’s also adorable to give as a gift, like Father’s Day! Dads will love knowing that they’ll have their very own homemade craft and they can show off and keep forever!

How to Make This Dinosaur Kids Craft

The good news is that this simple dinosaur kids craft is really easy to make. It’s great for early learners and kids who like to follow directions and branch out independently to be creative. This simple craft is fun for anything dinosaur-themed, as well as a fun and lovely gift idea too. Using sticks for a border is a creative way to use something natural as an art supply and to integrate going outside during an activity!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Create A Handprint Dinosaur Kids Craft

Kids will LOVE being able to use their hands to make this dinosaur. It’s a really easy way for them to take control and make it their own. In this video, I demonstrate how you can make this craft, but get the kids involved throughout the whole process, not just the handprint! Younger kids may need some help, and even if it doesn’t look perfect, that’s totally ok! You could even do one every year and watch the dinosaur handprint grow bigger and the drawings more sophisticated as your child develops their fine motor skills!

How to Create A Handprint Dinosaur Kids Craft

Kids will LOVE being able to use their hands to make this dinosaur. It’s a really easy way for them to take control and make it their own. In this video, I demonstrate how you can make this craft, but get the kids involved throughout the whole process, not just the handprint! Younger kids may need some help, and even if it doesn’t look perfect, that’s totally ok! You could even do one every year and watch the dinosaur handprint grow bigger and the drawings more sophisticated as your child develops their fine motor skills!

Tips for Making This Dinosaur Kids Craft

Here are a few tips and tricks to making the most out of this handprint dinosaur kids craft!

First off, you can make handprints with lots of different art mediums. One of the ways we love making them is with stamp pads! Just press your hand down on the stamp pad until you see the hand covered with color! Handprints often come out even and dry very quickly. But the best part about them? The ink is totally washable! Of course, you can always use paint – the tempera paint will be the washable kind!

Also, make sure you allow for drying time if you add a stick border. We used tacky glue as it provides a long lasting hold, but that also means it doesn’t dry immediately like hot glue! Making the stick border was one of our favorite parts. Definitely enjoy some time outside collecting the perfect sticks to make the coolest looking texture to your frame!

Materials

Scissors
Glue
Sticks from the yard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Have your little one put their hand on the ink pad and then press their hand down on a white piece of construction paper.

Step 2

Draw a head and tail onto the handprint to complete the dinosaur, then color it in with marker.

Step 3

Cut out the entire dinosaur and glue it onto another piece of paper.

Step 4

Place the sticks around the edges and glue them on as a frame.

Step 5

Add a cute saying like “You’re Dino-Mite” if you are giving this as a keepsake gift!

Step 1

Have your little one put their hand on the ink pad and then press their hand down on a white piece of construction paper.

Step 2

Draw a head and tail onto the handprint to complete the dinosaur, then color it in with marker.

Step 3

Cut out the entire dinosaur and glue it onto another piece of paper.

Step 4

Place the sticks around the edges and glue them on as a frame.

Step 5

Add a cute saying like “You’re Dino-Mite” if you are giving this as a keepsake gift!

dinosaur activity printable fine motor skills color recognition counting

More Ways to Play with Dinosaurs!

If you have a mega-dinosaur lover, like I do! Here is a fun and free way to enjoy dinosaurs while working on fine motor skills! These worksheets are printable.

This activity is all about strengthening the small muscles in the hands and fingers through using pegs or clothespins to give the dinosaurs their “spikes” back! We’ve made a DIY version of this Dinosaur Peg Game, but to make things easier for grown ups, now you can download and print our free template!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Why We Love This Dinosaur Kids Craft

Handprint art is great because it gives your child a wonderful sensory activity. Not only are they imagining how it’s going to look throughout the process and at the end, but they’re also feeling their way through the process.

This type of project is a great way to increase their creativity because it shows them that there are so many different ways to create different kinds of art. They may have never thought to use their hands as a central part of a piece of art!

This dinosaur kids craft is perfect for working on their scissors skills as well as their hand-eye coordination. Since they’ll be cutting and gluing, it’s the perfect way to give them more practice in those areas.

Lastly, if you decide to make the stick frame, this a great opportunity to get on your feet and explore the great outdoors! Sticks can be used in so many fun playful learning activities as well as arts and crafts. It’s never to late to start building your collection!

Why We Love This Dinosaur Kids Craft

Handprint art is great because it gives your child a wonderful sensory activity. Not only are they imagining how it’s going to look throughout the process and at the end, but they’re also feeling their way through the process.

This type of project is a great way to increase their creativity because it shows them that there are so many different ways to create different kinds of art. They may have never thought to use their hands as a central part of a piece of art!

This dinosaur kids craft is perfect for working on their scissors skills as well as their hand-eye coordination. Since they’ll be cutting and gluing, it’s the perfect way to give them more practice in those areas.

Lastly, if you decide to make the stick frame, this a great opportunity to get on your feet and explore the great outdoors! Sticks can be used in so many fun playful learning activities as well as arts and crafts. It’s never to late to start building your collection!

More Activities for the Dinosaur Lover

Here are my top picks for educational toys and games for the dino-fan!

dinosaur dig game fossil gift archaelogy science stem

Dinosaur Egg Discovery Kit

Discover 12 unique dinosaurs while strengthening fine motor skills while excavating them from eggs. The kit comes with 12 matching cards.

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Alphabet Dinosaur Puzzle

This puzzle includes 26 easy-to-grasp pieces, one for each letter of the alphabet. A great way to encourage fine motor and letter recognition skills!

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Build a Dinosaur Toy

This set includes 3 dinosaurs that can be taken apart and assembled. It includes a low-speed motor drill with 2 kinds of drill bits. Great item for STEM and fine motor skills.

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Big Book About Dinosaurs

This book is the Ultimate Dinopedia for kids! It includes stunning illustrations with fun facts that are age appropriate for ages 4 to 8 years old.

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What’s Next?

Rotating Toys in Our Playroom – Month 2

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our second month!

Toy Rotation Ideas for Kids – Month 1

Do you need some ideas for toy rotations? Every month, I plan on sharing our playroom and how I rotate the toys. Welcome to our first month!

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Free Printable Version

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Alphabet Matching Game for the Ice Cream Fan

Here’s a fun way to learn your uppercase and lowercase letters! This alphabet matching game is a DIY toy that teaches and is a resource you can use time and time again! Not only does the ice cream theme make everyone happy, but it also makes it fun to learn as well! Learning to connect lowercase and uppercase letters can be tricky! But this fun ABC letter activity makes it a much easier process to learn.

An Alphabet Matching Game You Can Craft and Play

What’s better than playing and learning? Also crafting! Get the kiddos involved in creating this activity too. Have them color the scoops, and even help with cutting out the circles. They will be so proud to play and learn with a game they helped make!

For more ideas on creative and fun ways to play with the alphabet visit our Alphabet Activities List where you will also find some free printables!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make This Alphabet Matching Game

Here’s how you can make and play with this interactive ice cream alphabet matching game. In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to put together and how fun it is for kids to see the letter, find the matching letter, and pull the string to complete the next letter. Using simple materials, this is a budget friendly way to make a DIY learning resource you can use time and time again!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make This Alphabet Matching Game

Here’s how you can make and play with this interactive ice cream alphabet matching game. In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to put together and how fun it is for kids to see the letter, find the matching letter, and pull the string to complete the next letter. Using simple materials, this is a budget friendly way to make a DIY learning resource you can use time and time again!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Budget Friendly and Kid Friendly!

From start to finish, this alphabet learning activity is really quite simple to do. You do not need any fancy materials to create this DIY learning resource. Making the board, scoops, and cones out of cardboard is a great way to keep costs down while recycling materials you already have at home! Read on for the simple step by step instructions.

For the color, we used paint sticks. They are a great arts and crafts supply that we constantly use. The colors come out so rich and vibrant, even on cardboard! The best part? They look like paint, roll on like a crayon, but dry in seconds! For more ideas of supplies you should have in your craft box, check out our Comprehensive List of Arts and Craft Supplies!

Materials

Paper
Glue
Velcro Stickers (optional, for attaching)

Cardboard
Paint Sticks
Permanent Marker
Paper
Glue
Velcro Stickers (optional, for attaching)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

On a big piece of cardboard, glue or tape a cardboard triangle (aka your cone).

Step 2

Cut out cardboard circles; we did 27 for the whole alphabet, plus the bottom scoop.

Step 3

Color and decorate your ice cream scoops and cone. With a permanent marker, write the letters on each ice cream scoop.

Step 4

On a strip of paper, or several strips of paper, write the entire alphabet, leaving at least half an inch in between each letter.

Step 5

On the extra ice cream scoop, cut two slits near the center, leaving an opening in between so that the paper letter will be visible.

Step 6

Thread the paper letter strip through the cardboard so that it smoothly goes to the next letter when pulled.

Step 7

Optional; add velcro stickers to the back of the ice cream scoops and two velcro stickers to the main board. This will allow your child to place the letter down with accuracy, but is not a necessary feature.

Step 1

On a big piece of cardboard, glue or tape a cardboard triangle (aka your cone).

Step 2

Cut out cardboard circles; we did 27 for the whole alphabet, plus the bottom scoop.

Step 3

Color and decorate your ice cream scoops and cone. With a permanent marker, write the letters on each ice cream scoop.

Step 4

On a strip of paper, or several strips of paper, write the entire alphabet, leaving at least half an inch in between each letter.

Step 5

On the extra ice cream scoop, cut two slits near the center, leaving an opening in between so that the paper letter will be visible.

Step 6

Thread the paper letter strip through the cardboard so that it smoothly goes to the next letter when pulled.

Step 7

Optional; add velcro stickers to the back of the ice cream scoops and two velcro stickers to the main board. This will allow your child to place the letter down with accuracy but is not a necessary feature.

Educational Benefits for this Fun Alphabet Matching Game

This alphabet game will help to teach your child how to match uppercase and lowercase letters. Through practice, they will be able to identify and group these letters easily. This is the foundation of being able to use those letters to read and write.

This DIY game can also help them with their fine motor skills since they’ll be pulling the paper tab and using their hand-eye coordination to grab and match the letters.

Educational Benefits for this Fun Alphabet Matching Game

This alphabet game will help to teach your child how to match uppercase and lowercase letters. Through practice, they will be able to identify and group these letters easily, the foundation of being able to use those letters to read and write.

This DIY game can also help them with their fine motor skills since they’ll be pulling the paper tab and using their hand-eye coordination to grab and match the letters. And last but not least, they’ll grow their love for learning because they’ll be independent in this activity also.

More Ways to Learn Alphabet Matching

Here are my top picks for alphabet puzzles that teach both uppercase and lowercase letters!

Wooden Uppercase and Lowercase Matching Puzzle

This beautifully crafted interlocking wooden puzzle is a great way to explore uppercase and lowercase letters.

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ABC Picture Puzzles

This picture puzzle not only encourages letter recognition, but can be used for word creation, color recognition, memory, and fine motor skills!

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Alphabet Popsicle Match

This hands on alphabet recognition game is a fun way to match uppercase and lowercase letters!

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Alphabet Worm Puzzle

This fun puzzle is shaped like a worm. By including both lowercase and uppercase letters, this is a fun way for kids to be able to match the alphabet!

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