First Grade Arts and Crafts Activities
First grade is a year of firsts: your child's first full day of school, the first time she'll write a small story herself, and the first time she'll read a complete book cover to cover. We've got dozens of wacky reading and math activities, cool science experiments, and indoor and outdoor games to keep the learning fun.
String Story Necklaces
Tell your kid you're going to spend the afternoon working on comprehension and you're sure to get a yawn. This activity delivers the goods with a fun art project that will also teach kids to look for a story's beginning, middle, and end.
Group It!: A Skip Counting Activity
Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s may not sound like much fun. But using "skip counting" with real objects you find or make at home is a different story...it can be hours of entertainment. Here's a hands-on activity to touch and move real stuff while building abstract reasoning...paint, shoes, and coins ...
Make a "City of Bags!"
Forget 2-D maps. It's time for 3-D! One way that kids learn about their community is by making maps that help them become aware of the people and places around them. Give your kid a stack of paper bags, swing by the police station, the fire house, and the other important buildings in your ...
Make a What-I'm-Thankful-For Placemat
Thanksgiving is a great excuse to pause and give thanks for more than what's sitting on the table. This activity gives kids a chance to make a cute collage of things that make them happy, and it's perfect décor for holiday dinner... or any day!
Make an ALL ABOUT ME! Book
Kids love talking about themselves - their likes, their dislikes, and details about everything in between. Spark their interest in writing with a mini-book about their favorite subject - them!
So Silly!: Make Your Own Putty
Your putty should bounce and transfer pictures just like the store-bought stuff. Add food coloring or even a few sprinkles of glitter for your own take on the gooey original!
Smash Cascarones Art
In Mexico, many festival days, holidays, and saint day celebrations involve the making and smashing of cascarones. Introduce your child to this fantastic custom by helping him make is own!
Design Your Own Drums!
It is relatively simple to learn basic drumming techniques, and it produces a great sense of rhythm in the musician. With a little bit of assistance, your little one can make drums of all different shapes and sizes that produce a variety of sounds.
Paint with Q-Tips!
Use Q-tips to create a variety of squishy paint brushes that are incredibly fun and easy to use! This "tip painting" project was designed especially for children with special needs, although most any child will find this activity delightful.
Make a Prickly Porcupine!
This prickly porcupine project is more than just crafty fun! It will actually teach your child about the ingenious defense mechanism found in the common porcupine.
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