Ask An Expert: Easy Crafts To Do With Kids

Finding ways to keep kids, especially younger ones, entertained can be challenging. Sure, you can always park them in front of the TV or stock up on video games, but even that can grow old. Instead, why not do something together that's not only fun, but educational at the same time? We asked our expert Pamela Pfautsch to share some of her favorite craft projects that she uses as teaching tools for her elementary students at The Westwood School.

Pamela Pfautsch
The Westwood School
14340 Proton Road
Dallas, TX 75244
(972) 239-8598
www.westwoodschool.org

If anyone knows how to keep kids busy with craft projects, it's Pamela Pfautsch, who has been teaching a variety of subjects in multi-age classrooms for 20 years. Pfautsch presently holds the position of upper elementary level coordinator for The Westwood School, a Montessori and International Baccalaureate school for ages Pre-K through 12th grade. Pfautsch uses art projects to enhance the curriculum in a variety of subjects, ranging from math and science to history and language arts. Today she shares five child- and parent-friendly craft projects that make wonderful gifts as well as keepsakes.

Autumn Leaf Collection Pfautsch uses this activity for the beginning of the school year to note the change of seasons from summer to fall. She says that it goes with the Montessori lessons for honoring and respecting the environment. This craft is perfect for ages 2-5 years.Materials:

• Leaves, ornamental grasses, flowers (different shapes, sizes and colors)
• Construction paper or card stock
• Glue or spray adhesive

Instructions:

Gather leaves outside and then place them between heavy books for a few hours to flatten, making it easier to glue and arrange. Spray adhesive or apply glue to paper or card stock and arrange leaves in creative patterns.

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Recycled Magazine Wallets These wallets make ideal gifts and can be used to hold money or as a gift card holder. Pfautsch recommends this craft for grades 1-8.Materials:

• Old magazines
• Clear packing tape
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Colored duct tape (optional)

Instructions:

Fold one magazine page into thirds. Then unfold and cover both sides of the page with measured strips of tape. Crease the page into thirds again and tape sides to make it into wallet form. Colored duct tape can also be used to seal sides and add a splash of color.

Chihuly-Inspired Coffee Filter Sculptures These easy-to-make sculptures are a great way to teach kids about Chihuly's macchia, or spotted blown glass masterpieces. Be sure to leave some white space on the filters so the colors can run together when sprayed with the starch. This project is good for preschool-6th grade.Materials:

• Round white coffee filters
• Washable markers
• Spray starch (aerosol)
• Plastic cups
• Rubber bands

Instructions:

Draw designs on coffee filters with markers. Attach filters over the bottom of plastic cups with a rubber band. Spray filters with starch and let dry. Once dry, the filters can stand alone or be glued together on a board to form an abstract sculpture.

Designer Pillows These cute accent pillows don't require any sewing and make a nice addition to a child's room or to give as a gift. In addition to felt, any material, including old jeans, can be used. Younger children will need more adult supervision with this project.Materials:

• Felt (8×10-inch squares, any color)
• Cotton balls or batting
• Glue gun
• Glitter glue
• Decorative trinkets (pom poms, gems, buttons )

Instructions:

Place two felt squares together and hot glue three of the sides. Fill with batting or cotton balls and glue to seal. Decorate with trinkets or felt cutouts if desired.

Edible Play Dough There's no denying that play dough is always a hit with kids, but it's also a great way to work on fine motor skills, says Pfautsch. Even better, kids can gobble it up after they have finished playing with it.Materials:

• 1 18-ounce jar of any nut butter
• 5-6 tablespoons of honey
• 1 1/2 cup of powdered milk
• Kool Aid unsweetened (optional)

Instructions:

Mix all of the ingredients together. Add unsweetened Kool Aid for color. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

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Ilene Jacobs is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. Ilene enjoys writing about a variety of topics, ranging from food, fitness and travel, to kids, pets and senior care. You can find some of her work at Examiner.com.