Make Good

Arts and crafts have a number of benefits for early education, including the development of fine motor skills, literacy skills and mathematic concepts. And the best part is, they can also increase self-esteem and boost quality time between parents and children. From cardboard gingerbread men to exciting advent countdowns, we’ve put together some educational and easy Christmas crafts for kids.

Learn shapes with cardboard

Learning shapes helps children identify and organise visual information, building a foundation for their eventual skills in reading, maths and science. There are lots of stunning Christmas shapes you can create with cardboard, including garlands, wreaths and gingerbread men. When cutting and shaping your masterpieces, remember to talk about the different shapes you’re making.

Express creativity with colour

Hand strength is important for all hand-related fine motor skills, so colouring helps exercise those muscles while offering practice for a pencil grip. Giving your child plenty of opportunities to colour also helps stimulate the creative centres in their mind. You could suggest colouring in different sheets following a scheme, like hot and cold colours, or just let your child go wild with every crayon in the box!

Count numbers with an advent calendar

Make maths fun with a calendar to count down the days! Whether you choose to fill yours with educational toys or objects, healthy or sweet treats, or special notes, an advent calendar will build familiarity with numbers and get kids excited for the upcoming day. Consider paper, cardboard or fabric materials when creating your collaborative craft.

Encourage confidence in the kitchen

Baking with children can help strengthen hand and finger muscles, and also encourage thinking, problem-solving and creativity. It allows the opportunity to use the knowledge they have by counting, measuring, following a sequence and taking directions. These simple Mini Rudolph Cups and Easy Christmas Biscuits by Taste Australia are a great way to bond with kids in the kitchen, while allowing them to get festive with the best part: decorating! And they’ll feel extra special when everyone gets to enjoy the ‘meal’ they’ve created.

Share your Christmas creations with us, by hashtagging #Alphapop or tagging @alphapop_ on Instagram.

We can’t wait to see what you make!