When you need a filler activity for 2:30pm on a Friday afternoon, the last thing you want to do is try to cram in more information when your students’ brains are already on overload. Instead of worrying, try one of the easy and fun fall craft ideas below. They are perfect for classroom art projects and are inexpensive enough that you can afford to do them with three dozen children. Take a break, enjoy the season and remember that there are plenty of valuable lessons in cutting, pasting and coloring.
Fall Crafts for Kids
Leaf Wreaths
Inspired by Martha Stewart’s leaf wreath suggestion, help your students make a beautiful and decorative fall wreath. This project can actually take a couple of weeks, so plan accordingly. Start by taking a walk around the school playground and having students gather a handful of fall leaves. When you get back to the classroom, place the leaves in a single layer between pieces of wax paper and press them under or in heavy text books. Cut out a circular template and use it to make the wreath base from medium weight cardboard. Save the clean cardboard from pizza boxes for a great re-purposed material. The following week, have students remove their leaves from the wax paper and glue them on around the circle. By the following day, the wreaths should be dry and ready to go home with students.
Cornucopia Craft
If your students need practice with fine motor skills, this detail oriented craft is perfect for their little hands. You only need the free downloadables, paint, scissors and glue to complete the activity. The challenge and fine motor practice comes in the arrangement and painting of the small decorated printables.
Craft Stick Mummy
This craft requires a bit of prep work on the teacher’s part, but nothing too extreme. Your students will love turning Popsicle sticks into muslin mummies with this fun activity. Create them for your class Halloween party, to donate to a local nursing home or children’s charity, or to give to the school’s lunch aides, custodians and administrative staff.
Paper Bag Scarecrow
This adorable paper bag scarecrow can be adapted for students who are as young as preschool or as old as middle school. The directions are easy to understand and follow. All you need are paper bags, scissors, construction paper and some googly-eyes for fun.
What are some of your favorite fall crafts? Is there one that you do every year with your students?
Share with us below or on the Really Good Teachers Forums! We’d love to hear what you do!