Using Crafts To Teach Preschoolers

There are many preschool crafts on the Weekly Preschool Lessons site

, but before you get started there are a few things you should know.

Children develop at different rates and it is best to customize the craft or activity to their abilities. Prior to beginning a craft with your preschooler(s) consider these questions:

1) Is the child ready for a craft related activity?

If a child is not able to sit still, pay attention to your directions, or understand what is expected she is probably still too young for paper crafts. Even older children will cooperate better it you prepare them ahead by doing finger plays, songs, or simple games, then move on to a visual activity like telling a story. Once they are calm and paying attention you can begin a more complicated craft.

2) Is the craft or activity safe?

Many of the items used in crafts may not be suitable for very young children. Items to watch out for include toxic substances, which may be present in glues or inks; sharp objects like staples, scissors, and pencils; items that can be wrapped around limbs, including strings and rubber bands; and small objects that can be easily ingested. If you are using these items monitor children closely so they don't hurt themselves. Or better yet, avoid using them entirely. See Child Safety for more preschool safety information.

3) What is the goal of the craft or activity?

Are you focusing on teaching letters, numbers, colors, shapes etc., or is the main goal to teach motor skills and concentration? For instance, if the goal of the craft is to teach numbers you may want children to count out pre-cut objects as you help them glue them to a craft, while with an activity geared toward teaching motor skills your main emphasis might be on coloring and cutting. The goal of the lesson should match the activity, and both should be appropriate to the skill level of the child. Know what you want to teach before your start!

4) What can you do to prepare ahead?

Just having all of your supplies at hand is not always enough. If you need to do any cutting, sorting, writing, etc. do it before your start. Think about how you will present the craft to the children and what portion of the activity they will do themselves. Read over the directions and make a sample of the craft to ensure it will work. Preschoolers won't wait patiently while you try to figure out how to put the craft together!

5) Is this a good time?

Don't expect preschool children to sit quietly and work on an activity when they are tired, hungry, or overly excited. You will have much better luck if you pick a time between naps and meals, then make a regular routine so that children know what to expect. Time the activity right, make it age appropriate, prepare ahead, and you are sure to succeed!

Weekly Preschool Lessons has Preschool Crafts and activities to get you started.

by: Sara Ann Roberts

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