Creating works of art that involve getting messy and include a little bit of imagination are some of the most favorite activities among children. Exciting crafts using handprints can keep preschoolers engaged while bringing some fun and creativity to the classroom.
5 Handprint Crafts for Kids
1. Family Tree
A fun project either for family day at school or a home craft, creating a family tree with preschoolers can be tons of fun. This activity needs card stock, paint, paintbrush, and glue (a frame is optional, but is a great finishing touch). Provide children with an array of colored card stock or construction paper, as well as, a variety of different styled paper tree trucks for them to choose from. Glue the selected trunk to the card stock and have each family member paint one of their hands with their favorite color. Each person stamps his or her hand at the top of the truck to create the family tree. Once dried, it can be framed and hung.
2. Sunflower
This craft will brighten up anyone’s day. Materials needed include a paper plate, white paper, yellow paint, brown paint, paintbrush, scissors, tape and green chenille stem. Preschoolers can paint the paper plate yellow. While that is drying, they can make yellow handprints on the white paper (the handprints do not want to touch as they will be cut out later). Return to the paper plate and paint brown dots in the center. Cut out the handprints and tape or glue them fingers out, around the outside of the plate. Finish up the sunflower by taping a green chenille stem to the bottom.
3. Rainbow Banner
A wonderful project for the whole class, this rainbow banner can be a work of art that all children can be a part of. Gather supplies including a variety of paint colors, a paintbrush, and a roll of art paper that can be cut to a desired banner length. To get started, paint the hands of each child a different color. Preschoolers can then stamp their prints in the form of a rainbow. Creating a project that encourages participation from everyone can build a sense of community, as well as, foster friendships between the whole class.
4. Fluffy Sheep
With black paint, a paintbrush, cotton balls, cardstock, glue, and some wiggly eyes, early learners can create a fluffy sheep. Paint the toddler’s hand black, and stamp it on the cardstock. Wait for it to dry. With the fingers pointing down, they will become the legs of the sheep. The thumb will be its head. Glue cotton balls onto the body of the sheep and then add a pair of wiggly eyes to finish up the fluffy sheep.
5. Caterpillar Bug
A wonderful activity to be paired with the book called, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this craft can be another project for the whole class to make together. Using a roll of art paper, paint, paintbrush, glue, and a marker, preschoolers will enjoy creating. Painting the hands of the children, they can take turns stamping their handprints down the paper. Make sure the prints are touching, as this is the body of the caterpillar. Once the caterpillar is complete and dried, use the marker to draw the head with a pair of antenna, eyes, and a mouth.