It’s that time of year again.
As the holiday season approaches, you’re looking for ways to channel that festive energy into a holiday party or (even better) creative Christmas crafts and Christmas decorations.
Not only do your students learn about holiday celebrations, but they also get a festive keepsake to take home with them.
Sounds great, right? But where to start?
No worries. We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about holiday crafts and art projects for the classroom that you can use for years to come.
What can we use to make the crafts?
Certain everyday items are great to use as supplies for these great craft ideas. Pipe cleaners and a paper plate are great items to have on hand for each child. Craft sticks, dot markers, pom poms, cotton balls, and watercolor paint are also useful.
What materials do you need to make a Holiday Classroom Craft?
There are a few items you can’t do without when it comes to a successful kids’ craft. For one thing, make sure you have plenty of construction paper and cardstock available in festive colors. Craft paint is another staple. And, of course, make sure you have enough scissors for everyone… as well as enough pom poms for everyone. Having a paper plate or two on hand for each student may also be a good idea.
What is a craft you can make for the holidays?
You can search our holiday resource hub for tons of resources, lesson plans, and craft ideas for your next kid’s craft. These are organized by holiday so that you can find them easily.
What are some holiday classroom crafts?
Candy Cane Elf
Most of us are all too familiar with the Elf on the Shelf. Well, this Candy Cane Elf craft would be a great activity after reading the story with your younger students. The Elf on the Shelf encourages children to behave throughout the day because Santa’s little helpers (the elves) always watch over the children and relay information about their behavior back to Santa. This craft would also be an adorable way to make decorations for a Christmas tree! All you need for this craft is glue, construction paper or foam, and candy canes.
Kwanzaa Hat
Make it an annual tradition to educate children about African heritage by celebrating the winter holiday of Kwanzaa for a whole week or just a couple of days during the holiday season. Make the celebration even more special with this Kwanzaa hat craft activity after reading Li'l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington with the class. Not only will you be teaching children about the Kwanzaa traditions, but also about African culture. For this craft, all you need is construction paper, tape or glue, and a stapler.
Paper Chain Christmas Countdown
Help children count down how many days are left until Christmas with this paper chain craft, which is the same idea as an advent calendar. This is not only a great arts and crafts idea but an excellent way to teach children math. Early education students learning how to count can use this calendar to count down the days until Christmas (or winter break)! The paper chain is super easy to make and should be assembled after reading A Christmas Advent Story by Ivy Snow. For this craft, all you need is construction paper, tape, markers or paint, and googly eyes.
Pointillist Menorah
It’s a mistake to confine yourself solely to Christmas activities during this festive time. Celebrate the Jewish tradition of Hanukkah and educate children about this celebration, also called the “Festival of Lights”. Children can finger paint this Menorah using pointillism and add a candle flame at the top of each candle for each of the eight days that Hanukkah is celebrated. This is a fun craft for the whole class and can be accompanied by reading Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel to educate children about the history behind Hanukkah. For this craft, all you need is paper and finger paint.
“Beary” Merry Christmas Ornament
This ornament gift would make someone feel “beary” merry during the Christmas season. What better way to share Christmas cheer than with this special ornament! A book that would be a great addition to this craft project is Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson. Children can read or listen to the book and do this fun craft as part of the book activity. For this craft, all you need is basswood, string, ribbon, paint, and construction paper. Some pom poms for the nose are the finishing touch.
Glitter Snowman
Coat the inside of two clean jars with a glossy floor finish and glitter, then finish it off with a felt top hat for an adorable snowman decoration. You can then decorate your snowman with a fabric scarf and black stickers for eyes, mouth and buttons. A piece of felt in the shape of a carrot makes the perfect nose for your snowman. This glittery snowman makes a fun decoration at a holiday party or during other Christmas activities, perched on your mantle or as a wintertime table centerpiece. Source: ArtsyFartsyMama.
Star Christmas Tree
Create starry Christmas tree decorations using paper, glitter foam, and yarn.
Wrapping Paper Snowflake
This will quickly become one of your favorite holiday art projects! Young children will delight in cutting beautiful snowflake shapes out of shiny wrapping paper.
Rudolph Paper Craft
Kids can cut out Rudolph from colored cardstock using the provided template, then surround the reindeer with white snowflakes on a blue background. You can easily adapt this project to create a fun reindeer ornament, too.
Handprint Santa
Add white and red paint to a handprint crafted from cardstock to create an adorable Santa holiday card. Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect.
Mess Free Gingerbread House
Do you long to make a gingerbread house with your students but dread the chaos and mess? This adorable project allows you the experience without all the mess.
Homemade Snow Globe
Put any old, unwanted plastic figurines to good use by having each student make a magical snow globe. You can also use Legos along with a glass jar, glitter, and some sequins.
Not only are these Christmas crafts ready to lead in the classroom, but you can also facilitate these DIY classroom activities remotely. All you need are supplies like pom poms, cotton balls, and plenty of holiday spirit to get these DIY Christmas crafts started!
For more DIY Christmas crafts and activities such as this, check out our 5 Winter Holiday-Themed Bulletin Board Ideas for Your Classroom.
Are you looking for more ideas to incorporate holiday celebrations and Christmas crafts into your curriculum? Check out these Christmas-themed holiday resources.
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