30+ Easy and Creative December Crafts for Preschoolers

December Crafts for Preschoolers

With December comes a flurry of festive activities, including crafting. Crafting is a great way for preschoolers to be creative, develop their fine motor skills, and get into the holiday spirit. There are many different types of December crafts that are appropriate for preschoolers, from simple paper crafts to more complex projects that involve multiple materials.

Here are three examples of December crafts that are perfect for preschoolers:

Paper Plate Santa Claus
- Materials: Paper plate, red and white paint, black marker, cotton balls, glue
- Steps: Paint the paper plate red. Cut out a white beard from construction paper and glue it to the bottom of the plate. Draw on a black belt and eyes with a marker. Glue cotton balls to the top of the plate for Santa’s hat.
Salt Dough Ornaments
- Materials: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup water, cookie cutters, paint, ribbon
- Steps: Mix together the flour, salt, and water until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Bake the ornaments in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours. Let the ornaments cool completely before painting and decorating them. Thread a ribbon through the top of each ornament to hang on a tree.
Popsicle Stick Reindeer
- Materials: Popsicle sticks, brown paint, black marker, red pom-pom, glue
- Steps: Paint the popsicle sticks brown. Glue four popsicle sticks together to form the reindeer’s legs. Glue two popsicle sticks together to form the reindeer’s antlers. Glue the antlers to the top of the legs. Glue a red pom-pom to the front of the reindeer’s head for its nose. Draw on eyes with a black marker.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of December crafts that are appropriate for preschoolers. With a little creativity, you can come up with your own unique crafts that your child will love.

Benefits of December Crafts for Preschoolers:

Develops fine motor skills
Encourages creativity
Promotes hand-eye coordination
Builds self-esteem
Gets them into the holiday spirit

Tips for December Crafts with Preschoolers:

Keep it simple. Choose crafts that are appropriate for your child’s age and skill level.
Provide clear instructions. Make sure your child understands what they are supposed to do.
Be patient. Don’t expect your child to create a masterpiece overnight.
Have fun! Crafting should be a enjoyable experience for both you and your child.
Get creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques.

December crafts are a great way to get your preschooler into the holiday spirit and help them develop important skills. With a little creativity, you can come up with your own unique crafts that your child will love.

Key Aspects of December Crafts for Preschoolers

December crafts for preschoolers are a great way to get your preschooler into the holiday spirit and help them develop important skills. Here are eight key aspects to consider when planning your December crafts:

Age-appropriateness: Choose crafts that are appropriate for your child’s age and skill level.
Creativity: Encourage your child to be creative and come up with their own unique designs.
Fine motor skills: Many December crafts help to develop fine motor skills, such as cutting, pasting, and painting.
Hand-eye coordination: Crafts that involve cutting and pasting help to develop hand-eye coordination.
Self-esteem: Completing a craft project can give your child a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem.
Holiday spirit: December crafts are a great way to get your child into the holiday spirit and learn about different holiday traditions.
Materials: Choose materials that are safe and easy for your child to use.
Supervision: Always supervise your child when they are crafting, especially if they are using sharp objects.

By keeping these key aspects in mind, you can ensure that your child has a fun and productive experience crafting this December. Here are a few examples of how these aspects can be incorporated into your December crafts:

Age-appropriateness: Choose crafts that are simple enough for your child to complete on their own, but challenging enough to keep them engaged.
Creativity: Encourage your child to use their imagination and come up with their own unique designs. Don’t be afraid to let them experiment with different materials and techniques.
Fine motor skills: Many December crafts help to develop fine motor skills, such as cutting, pasting, and painting. These skills are essential for writing and other everyday tasks.

December crafts are a great way to get your preschooler into the holiday spirit and help them develop important skills. By keeping the key aspects in mind, you can ensure that your child has a fun and productive experience crafting this December.

Age-appropriateness

When choosing December crafts for preschoolers, it is important to consider the age and skill level of the children. Crafts that are too difficult can be frustrating for children, while crafts that are too easy can be boring. The key is to find crafts that are challenging enough to keep children engaged, but not so difficult that they become discouraged.

For example, a simple paper plate Santa Claus craft is a good choice for younger preschoolers. This craft requires only a few basic materials and is easy to complete. Older preschoolers may enjoy a more challenging craft, such as a salt dough ornament. This craft requires more steps and more fine motor skills, but it is still appropriate for preschoolers.

By choosing age-appropriate crafts, you can help your preschooler have a positive and productive crafting experience. Here are some tips for choosing age-appropriate crafts:

Consider your child’s age and skill level.
Choose crafts that require materials that are safe for your child to use.
Choose crafts that are simple enough for your child to complete on their own, but challenging enough to keep them engaged.
Provide clear instructions and be patient while your child is crafting.

By following these tips, you can help your preschooler have a fun and successful crafting experience this December.

Creativity

Creativity is an essential component of December crafts for preschoolers. When children are encouraged to be creative, they are able to develop their imagination, problem-solving skills, and self-expression.

There are many ways to encourage creativity in December crafts. One way is to provide children with a variety of materials and let them explore and experiment. Another way is to give children open-ended prompts, such as “Create a winter scene” or “Make a Christmas decoration.”

When children are given the opportunity to be creative, they often come up with unique and surprising designs. For example, a child may use construction paper, markers, and glitter to create a reindeer with a red nose and antlers made of pipe cleaners. Another child may use felt, fabric, and glue to create a snowman with a scarf and hat.

The important thing is to encourage children to be creative and to let their imaginations run wild. When children are creative, they are not only having fun, they are also learning and developing important skills.

Here are some tips for encouraging creativity in December crafts:

Provide children with a variety of materials.
Give children open-ended prompts.
Allow children to make mistakes.
Praise children for their creativity.

By following these tips, you can help your preschooler develop their creativity and have a fun and productive December crafting experience.

Fine motor skills

Fine motor skills are the small movements that we make with our hands and fingers. These skills are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, eating, and dressing. Many December crafts help to develop fine motor skills in preschoolers. For example, cutting out shapes with scissors helps to develop hand-eye coordination and finger strength. Pasting paper or other materials together helps to develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning. Painting with a brush helps to develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.

Cutting: Cutting with scissors helps to develop hand-eye coordination and finger strength. Preschoolers can practice cutting by cutting out shapes from paper or fabric.
Pasting: Pasting paper or other materials together helps to develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning. Preschoolers can practice pasting by making collages or pasting together construction paper shapes.
Painting: Painting with a brush helps to develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor control. Preschoolers can practice painting by painting pictures or designs on paper or canvas.
Other fine motor skills activities: In addition to cutting, pasting, and painting, there are many other December crafts that can help to develop fine motor skills in preschoolers. These activities include:
- Stringing beads
- Playing with playdough
- Building with blocks
- Drawing with crayons or markers

These are just a few examples of how December crafts can help to develop fine motor skills in preschoolers. By participating in these activities, preschoolers can improve their hand-eye coordination, finger strength, and fine motor control. These skills are essential for everyday tasks and will help preschoolers to succeed in school and beyond.

Hand-eye coordination

Hand-eye coordination is the ability to use your eyes and hands together to perform tasks. It is an important skill for everyday activities such as eating, dressing, and playing. Many December crafts for preschoolers involve cutting and pasting, which can help to develop hand-eye coordination.

When preschoolers cut out shapes with scissors, they must use their eyes to guide their hands. This helps them to develop hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning. Pasting paper or other materials together also helps to develop hand-eye coordination. Preschoolers must use their eyes to line up the edges of the paper and then use their hands to press the paper together. This helps them to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

In addition to cutting and pasting, there are many other December crafts that can help to develop hand-eye coordination in preschoolers. These activities include:

Stringing beads
Playing with playdough
Building with blocks
Drawing with crayons or markers

These activities are not only fun, but they can also help preschoolers to develop important skills such as hand-eye coordination. By participating in these activities, preschoolers can improve their ability to use their eyes and hands together to perform tasks. This will help them to succeed in school and beyond.

Conclusion:

Hand-eye coordination is an important skill for preschoolers to develop. December crafts that involve cutting and pasting can help to develop this skill. By participating in these activities, preschoolers can improve their ability to use their eyes and hands together to perform tasks. This will help them to succeed in school and beyond.

Self-esteem

Self-esteem is a child’s overall sense of their own worth and value. It is important for children to have high self-esteem because it can help them to be more confident, assertive, and successful in life. Completing a craft project can be a great way to boost a child’s self-esteem. When a child completes a craft project, they can see the results of their hard work and effort. This can give them a sense of accomplishment and pride. Additionally, when a child shares their craft project with others and receives positive feedback, it can help to boost their self-esteem even more.

December crafts for preschoolers are a great way to help children develop their self-esteem. December crafts are typically simple and easy to complete, which makes them a good choice for young children. Additionally, December crafts are often festive and colorful, which can help to put children in a positive mood. By participating in December crafts, preschoolers can learn new skills, express their creativity, and boost their self-esteem.

Here are some tips for using December crafts to boost your child’s self-esteem:

Choose crafts that are appropriate for your child’s age and skill level.
Provide your child with clear instructions and be patient while they are working on their project.
Praise your child for their effort and creativity, regardless of the outcome of the project.
Display your child’s finished project in a place where they can see it and be proud of it.

By following these tips, you can help your child to have a positive and productive December crafting experience that can help to boost their self-esteem.

Holiday spirit

December crafts are a great way to get your child into the holiday spirit and learn about different holiday traditions. By participating in these activities, children can learn about the history and symbolism of different holiday symbols, such as Christmas trees, menorahs, and dreidels. They can also learn about different holiday traditions, such as caroling, gift-giving, and feasting. In addition, December crafts can help children to develop their creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.

Cultural Appreciation: December crafts can help children to learn about and appreciate different cultures and traditions. For example, making a dreidel can teach children about Hanukkah, while making a Christmas stocking can teach them about Christmas.
Historical Understanding: December crafts can also help children to learn about the history of different holidays. For example, making a paper plate Santa Claus can teach children about the legend of Saint Nicholas, while making a gingerbread house can teach them about the history of Christmas.
Community Involvement: December crafts can be a great way for children to get involved in their community. For example, children can make holiday cards to send to soldiers overseas or they can make decorations for a local nursing home.
Family Bonding: December crafts can also be a great way for families to bond. Children and parents can work together to create holiday decorations, gifts, and treats. This can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

In conclusion, December crafts are a great way to get your child into the holiday spirit and learn about different holiday traditions. These activities can help children to develop their creativity, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cultural appreciation, historical understanding, community involvement, and family bonding.

Materials

When choosing materials for December crafts for preschoolers, it is important to select materials that are safe and easy for children to use. This means choosing materials that are non-toxic, durable, and easy to handle. Some good choices for December crafts include:

Paper: Paper is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of crafts, such as cutting, pasting, and painting. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
Fabric: Fabric is another good choice for December crafts. It can be used to make simple sewn projects, such as stuffed animals or ornaments. Fabric is also available in a variety of colors and textures, so children can be creative with their designs.
Pipe cleaners: Pipe cleaners are a fun and easy way to add some color and texture to December crafts. They can be used to make simple shapes, such as stars or snowflakes, or they can be used to add details to other projects, such as hats or scarves.
Glitter: Glitter can add a touch of sparkle to December crafts. However, it is important to use glitter sparingly and to supervise children when they are using it, as it can be messy and difficult to clean up.

By choosing safe and easy-to-use materials, you can help your preschooler have a fun and productive December crafting experience.

Supervision

December crafts are a great way for preschoolers to be creative and learn new skills. However, it is important to remember that some December crafts involve the use of sharp objects, such as scissors and knives. For this reason, it is crucial to always supervise your child when they are crafting, especially if they are using sharp objects.

There are several reasons why it is important to supervise your child when they are crafting with sharp objects. First, sharp objects can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Children may not be aware of the dangers of sharp objects, and they may not be able to control their movements well. This can lead to accidents, such as cuts or punctures.

Second, supervision can help to prevent your child from getting frustrated. If your child is struggling with a craft project, you can help them to troubleshoot and find a solution. This can help to prevent your child from giving up on the project, and it can help them to learn from their mistakes.

Finally, supervision can help to create a positive and enjoyable crafting experience for your child. When your child knows that you are there to help them, they can feel more confident and relaxed. This can lead to a more enjoyable and productive crafting experience for everyone involved.

Here are some tips for supervising your child when they are crafting with sharp objects:

Make sure that your child is using sharp objects in a safe area.
Show your child how to use sharp objects properly.
Stay close to your child while they are using sharp objects.
Be prepared to help your child if they need assistance.
Praise your child for using sharp objects safely.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your child has a safe and enjoyable December crafting experience.

December Crafts for Preschoolers: A Festive and Educational Activity

December crafts for preschoolers encompass a wide range of creative and educational activities that engage young learners during the holiday season. These crafts often involve using festive materials like colorful paper, glitter, and construction paper to create decorations, ornaments, and other holiday-themed items.

Engaging in December crafts offers numerous benefits for preschoolers. These activities foster fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. They also provide opportunities for preschoolers to learn about different holiday traditions and customs while expressing their own unique personalities through their creations. Additionally, December crafts can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the holiday season, helping to build a positive and memorable childhood experience.

Main Article Topics:

Types of December Crafts for Preschoolers
Benefits of December Crafts for Preschoolers
Tips for Implementing December Crafts in Preschool Settings
Safety Considerations for December Crafts
Conclusion: The Importance of December Crafts for Preschoolers

FAQs

This section addresses frequently asked questions about December crafts for preschoolers, providing informative answers to support educators, parents, and caregivers in implementing these activities effectively.

Question 1: What are the benefits of December crafts for preschoolers?

Answer: December crafts offer numerous benefits, including enhancing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. They also provide opportunities for cultural learning, self-expression, and social interaction.

Question 2: What types of December crafts are suitable for preschoolers?

Answer: Age-appropriate December crafts for preschoolers include making paper snowflakes, decorating gingerbread men cookies, creating holiday cards, and constructing simple ornaments using materials like felt, paper, and yarn.

Question 3: How can I incorporate December crafts into a preschool curriculum?

Answer: December crafts can be integrated into various curriculum areas. For example, snowflake crafts can support science lessons on weather and symmetry, while holiday card making can enhance literacy skills and social studies lessons on holiday traditions.

Question 4: What safety considerations should I keep in mind when implementing December crafts?

Answer: It is essential to ensure a safe environment for December crafts by supervising children closely, using age-appropriate materials, and providing clear instructions. Avoid sharp objects and potential choking hazards, and encourage proper hygiene practices.

Question 5: How can I make December crafts more inclusive for all preschoolers?

Answer: To promote inclusivity, offer a variety of craft options that cater to different abilities and interests. Provide clear visual instructions, consider using sensory materials, and encourage collaboration among children.

Question 6: What are some tips for successful December crafts with preschoolers?

Answer: Successful December crafts involve adequate preparation, clear instructions, a positive and supportive atmosphere, and flexibility to adapt activities as needed. Encourage creativity, provide ample time for exploration, and celebrate the unique creations of each preschooler.

Summary: December crafts for preschoolers offer a wealth of educational and developmental benefits. By incorporating these activities into the curriculum and prioritizing safety and inclusivity, educators, parents, and caregivers can foster creativity, enhance skills, and create cherished holiday memories for young learners.

Transition to the Next Section: To further explore the significance of December crafts for preschoolers, let’s delve into specific examples and their educational value.

Conclusion

The exploration of December crafts for preschoolers throughout this article underscores their immense value in early childhood education and development. These festive and engaging activities provide a unique blend of learning and fun, fostering essential skills, promoting creativity, and nurturing the imagination of young learners.

December crafts are not merely seasonal pastimes but opportunities to cultivate fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial reasoning. They empower preschoolers to express their creativity and develop a sense of accomplishment as they bring their unique visions to life. Furthermore, these activities offer avenues for cultural exploration and social interaction, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

As we conclude our discussion on December crafts for preschoolers, let us remember their enduring significance in shaping young minds and creating cherished memories. By embracing these activities and incorporating them into our educational practices, we can empower preschoolers to reach their full potential while igniting a lifelong love for learning and creativity.

Youtube Video: