Learning Crafts

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

29 Jul 2006 05:06 AM

Here are some ways to help children have fun, be creative, and learn new things all at the same time.

Monochromatic Artwork

A fun way to help children learn to recognize and use colors is to create monochromatic artwork. Help children make collages from a variety of items all utilizing only one color family at a time. Use different shades, shapes, and textures to keep it interesting. Start with felt, fabric, craft foam, or poster board in the color of your choice and have children color on it with crayons, markers, or chalk in lighter or darker shades of that color. Let them glue on yarn, paper, fabric, beads, glitter, and other favorite supplies to create a work of art.

Geometric Art

Teach children shapes easily by having them draw, cut out, or color different shapes. They can cut out simple shapes (with adult assistance) like squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles, and then glue them onto another medium to create a collage. You can teach shapes and colors at the same time by making each shape a certain color and having children repeat, "red circle, blue square" etc.

Numbers and Letters

The shapes of numbers and letters can easily be made into other images, with a little creativity. Cut out a few numbers or letters at a time (too many at once is overwhelming) and ask children what they look like. The D looks like a coffee cup handle and the U looks like a cup. Maybe a two resembles a snake. This is a lot of fun and makes learning feel less like work.

Counting

Give children craft foam and glue along with some beads, sequins, or stickers. Pick a number, and then ask them to glue that many items onto the background, counting out loud as they go.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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