Hands-On, Open-Ended Creative Kids' Art Activities

Kids need art like plants need sun. In fact, art imitates childhood, when it grows organically and isn't manufactured. I had a sad childhood experience with formula art. A teacher publicly criticized my piece for not fitting the mold.
Admittedly, I didn't follow directions. She specifically said start drawing in the middle of the page. And I drew a boat along the bottom. I completely forgot, being caught up in the joy of creating. And it killed my confidence. Here's how not to let that happen with kids. Art Imitates Childhood: Hands-On, Creative Kids' Art Activities

Easy, Inexpensive Valentines Day Crafts

Oriental Trading has been a leading supplier of inexpensive craft supplies for years. The cool thing about Oriental Trading is that craft kits come in sets of 12. Supplies are all counted out and instructions included. Oriental Trading crafts kits make excellent party and classroom activities. Every holiday features useful inexpensive crafts sets. Many of the crafts are useful and make nice gifts. You can paint, bead, glue, sew and assemble all kinds of goodies. Make hats, tee-shirts, jewelry, mugs, photo frames, and more! For the youngest crafters, OTC features color-your-own toys and craft activities. You can purchase dozens of holiday craft kits for $-$6 for a set of twelve. Check out their after-Christmas clearances for loads of craft sets priced at 12 for $1-$2! Read more for Valentines Day crafts...

Egg Carton Crafts and Lessons

10 Science Lessons Using Recycled Egg Cartons Reuse, reduce and recycle using egg cartons in the classroom with these 10 science crafts and activities. Use for sorting, storage, games, hands-on skill builders, math lesson plans and more. View more »

Indoor Garden for Kids

Garden Indoors for Kids--Cheap, Easy, Classroom or Home Gardening is a healthy, green activity for children. Gardening can only be done outside though, right? Good news! Here is a great gardening project that you can organize right in your own home or classroom! View more »

Gift Crafts For School, Home, Scouts

Gifts Kids Can Make For The Holidays Great math lesson in a craft! Reusable! Renewable resources! Great gift for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, teacher, friend! A tried and true family favorite! All the kids can get involved whatever their ages! Inexpensive, attractive and useful! Works with student groups as well! Make at home, nursing homes, school, church, 4H, scouts, day care. View more »