5 Fun Crafting Activities For Toddlers

Why are arts and crafts important for toddlers?

Arts and crafts for kids provide numerous benefits, both big and small, according to Christina Johns, M.D., a pediatrician and senior medical advisor for PM Pediatrics Urgent Care.

Refining both gross and fine motor coordination is one of the primary benefits of toddler crafts. Even if toddlers require assistance or are unsure about the end product, they gain a lot from art projects. Practicing repetitive motions and working with their hands also enhances focus and discipline.

Art projects give toddlers a sense of spatial orientation, which helps with flexibility, dexterity, and more. They also learn decision-making skills and how to learn from mistakes. Encouraging creative play can be beneficial, even if the child is not yet ready for elaborate projects.

It is essential to encourage toddlers to express their thoughts and plans in their own words as it aids in verbal development and sentence formation. Most importantly, toddler crafts provide a sense of accomplishment that boosts their self-esteem.

So, here are 5 different crafting activities for toddlers:

Finger Painted Handprint Art

Materials:

• Non-toxic finger paint in various colors
• Large sheets of paper
• Wet wipes or paper towels

Instructions:

1. Place a large sheet of paper in front of your toddler.
2. Pour small amounts of different colored finger paint onto a flat surface or palette.
3. Encourage your toddler to dip their hands into the paint and create handprints on the paper.
4. Use the finger paint to decorate and embellish the handprints, creating unique and colorful art.
5. Use wet wipes or paper towels to clean your toddler’s hands and any spills.

Pipe Cleaner Creations

Materials:

• Pipe cleaners in various colors
• Googly eyes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Give your toddler a handful of pipe cleaners.
2. Encourage them to bend and twist the pipe cleaners into different shapes and creations, such as animals or flowers.
3. Add googly eyes or other decorations as desired.
4. Display the creations proudly!

Sensory Bin

Materials:

• Plastic bin or container
• Rice or dry beans
• Small toys or objects (such as plastic animals, cars, or figurines)
• Measuring cups or spoons (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a plastic bin or container with rice or dry beans.
2. Add small toys or objects to the bin, such as plastic animals, cars, or figurines.
3. Encourage your toddler to explore the bin with their hands, scooping and pouring the rice or beans.
4. For added fun, provide measuring cups or spoons for your toddler to play with.

DIY Popsicle Stick Picture Frames

Materials:

• Popsicle sticks
• Non-toxic glue
• Paint (optional)
• Glitter, stickers, or other decorations (optional)

Instructions:

1. Glue four popsicle sticks together to create a square or rectangle shape.
2. Let the glue dry completely.
3. Decorate the popsicle stick frame with paint, glitter, stickers, or other decorations as desired.
4. Once the frame is decorated, insert a picture or drawing and display it proudly.

DIY Playdough

Materials:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Non-toxic glitter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the water and food coloring (if desired).
3. Slowly pour the water mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring constantly.
4. Continue stirring until the dough forms a ball.
5. Knead the dough on a clean surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.
6. Add non-toxic glitter (if desired) and continue kneading.
7. Store the play dough in an airtight container when not in use.