As educators, we understand the importance of balancing fun with learning in the classroom. Teachers wear many hats – they’re responsible for nurturing students’ happiness and well-being while simultaneously keeping them engaged and stimulated throughout the school day. To make this task more manageable, craft activities have emerged as a popular way to bring both elements together.
In fact, craft projects are an excellent way to promote collaboration and creativity between teachers and students alike. With that in mind, I’m excited to share with you 27 fun and creative teacher crafts that will keep everyone entertained and inspired!
DIY Pencil Case
In the world of education, teachers are well aware of the significance of pencil cases in a child’s life. It’s an essential item that kids constantly upgrade throughout their school years. To make the first few days back from summer vacation more engaging and exciting, why not have your students create their own DIY pencil case using empty toilet rolls? This eco-friendly craft project is a great way to ease them back into the classroom routine while also fostering creativity and teamwork.
As students work together to customize their own unique designs, they’ll develop important social skills and learn to appreciate the value of shared ideas. Moreover, this fun and creative activity will provide a refreshing start to the new school year.
Flower Picture Frame
Timeless picture frame crafts have been a staple in many classrooms for generations. To continue this tradition, let’s dive into a fun project that combines creativity with personalization. For this activity, you’ll need faux flowers, a wire cutter, a hot glue gun, and a plain picture frame. Feel free to get creative by adding embellishments, sparkles, and other craft supplies to make it truly unique.
If working with younger students, be sure to supervise them when cutting the flowers to ensure their safety. With these simple materials, you can create a beautiful and meaningful piece of art that will be cherished for years to come.
Crayon Wreath
Childhood memories often revolve around the simple joys of coloring with crayons. Who hasn’t indulged in a creative frenzy, scribbling beyond the lines and even experimenting with the occasional broken crayon? For teachers seeking a unique DIY project to spice up their classroom decor, consider crafting a whimsical crayon wreath using an embroidery hoop as the foundation.
If you’re inclined towards order amidst chaos, why not arrange your crayons in a vibrant rainbow gradient for a stunning display that’s sure to brighten up any room?
Paper Envelope
Keep your kids engaged during a rainy day or an impromptu craft session with this simple yet fun paper envelope project. To get started, gather the following materials:
Heavyweight patterned cardstock
Scissors
Ruler and pencil
Glue or double-sided tape
When selecting your paper, opt for heavyweight sheets that will be more durable and suitable for creating envelopes.
Once you have all your supplies, start crafting and before long, you’ll have a set of unique and functional envelopes to use.
For more fall-themed crafts perfect for kids, check out our additional resources.
Block Print Tote Bag
During my high school days, I found that a tote bag was an absolute game-changer. It allowed me to easily carry my books between classes until I could store them safely in my locker. This DIY block print tote bag project would be a huge hit with students facing the same challenges. They’ll love the creative freedom of designing their own personalized tote bags and making them unique. To get started, all you need is some craft foam from [insert link] and a plain canvas tote bag per student.
Teacher Clipboards
As educators, we often underestimate the importance of our trusty clipboards, overlooking their potential to become an extension of our personal style. It’s time to give them some much-needed TLC and turn them into a reflection of our unique teaching personas.
For this project, you’ll need a clear clipboard – we recommend browsing [here](insert link) for the perfect one. Don’t forget to grab some vinyl and transfer tape while you’re there.
With these tools at your disposal, you can unleash your creativity and design a custom look that truly represents who you are as an educator.
Feel free to get creative with color, size, and even add your name to the design for a personalized touch. The possibilities are endless!
DIY Leaf Candle Holder
As the school day comes to a close, you’re probably eager to return home and relax. You might put on some soothing music, pour yourself a glass of wine, and create a cozy ambiance with a few candles lit around your space. But why not take it up a notch by crafting a DIY candle holder that not only complements the flame but also adds to your decor? With this simple project, you can create multiple holders to enhance the effects of scented candles and elevate your home’s ambiance.
And let’s be real, having too many candles is never a bad thing – it’s all about finding the perfect blend of warmth and relaxation.
Birthday Board
Create a memorable birthday board that celebrates each student’s special day in the classroom. This thoughtful display not only recognizes every child’s birthday but also provides a sense of anticipation and excitement for the entire month! The candle on the board serves as a gentle reminder, displaying the date, name, and corresponding month of each student’s birthday. To take it to the next level, consider adding a whimsical touch with a garland of pom-pom cupcakes.
These colorful treats can be easily sourced online, allowing you to quickly start crafting your festive display. With this engaging combination of practicality and playfulness, you’ll create a birthday tradition that will be cherished by both students and teachers alike.
DIY Apple Chalkboard
Imagine having an adorable apple-shaped chalkboard in your classroom that’s not only functional but also easy to create. To bring this charming accessory to life, you’ll need just a few simple materials: a wooden plaque, some chalkboard paint, liquid chalk for writing, green felt for the stem and leaf, and a drill and saw for assembly. Once you’ve set up your apple chalkboard, you can transform it into a daily quote board or notice board that the entire class will love using.
Tissue Paper Pom Poms
There’s something undeniably charming about a fluffy pom pom. Whether I’m using them to add a whimsical touch to a gift or simply enjoying their playful presence, I adore the drama they bring. While tissue paper pom poms may resemble fancy decorations, they’re surprisingly simple to create. All you’ll need is a trifecta of basic supplies: paper tissue, yarn, and scissors. With these essentials in hand, let’s dive into making our own delightful tissue paper pom poms.
DIY Ruler Vase
A ruler vase, you might be wondering, is quite literally a vessel crafted from stacked rulers. This innovative classroom craft project is not only easy on the wallet but also an affordable DIY endeavor. A trip to your local dollar store should yield the necessary wooden rulers required for this project. To elevate its aesthetic appeal, consider adding a striking bow around the central section.
Interestingly, this vase can also serve as a desk planter, providing a unique and functional decorative piece.
DIY Candles from Crayons
As children, we fondly recall the significance of crayons in our development. I’m sure many of us also used to dip our wax crayon candles into hot wax as kids. Now, you can pass this tradition on to your entire class! To get started, you’ll need a few essential supplies: those same beloved crayons, candle jars from [candle jar source], wicks, and your preferred type of wax – beeswax is the ideal choice. The possibilities for unique color combinations are truly endless.
If you have access to a microwave in your teacher’s lounge, you can melt the wax and crayon mixture by placing it in a paper cup and microwaving it.
DIY Rope Coasters
It’s essential to instill in children the importance of using coasters from a young age. One effective way to achieve this is by involving them in the process of making their own DIY rope coasters. The benefits are twofold: not only will they be more likely to use what they’ve created, but it’ll also become a fun and interactive experience for them. As an added bonus, these rope coasters double as decorative pieces that parents are sure to appreciate.
Why not take the opportunity to explore other creative projects, like DIY rope desk organizers, and make it a fun family activity?
Galaxy Jars
In the midst of a chaotic classroom, where restless kids may be getting hungry, tired, or just plain rambunctious, a clever distraction is often in order. Galaxy jars, with their mesmerizing swirls of glittery purples, metallic golds, and silvers, are an excellent way to capture everyone’s attention and provide a calming influence.
By incorporating storytelling into the experience, you can regale your students with tales of adventure and mystery, making it a truly immersive and engaging activity.
Quilt of Knowledge
Creating a quilt of knowledge is an innovative way to celebrate the end of the year with your classroom. This collaborative project can be a meaningful way to welcome new students at the beginning of a new academic year, as it serves as a keepsake filled with words of wisdom and advice from your current class members.
The quilt can be a vibrant and eclectic representation of student creativity, featuring various forms of artistic expression such as sketches, poems, stories, drawings, and even handprint collages. To bring this idea to life, you’ll need a few basic supplies including printed paper, color crayons and pencils, yarn scraps, a hole punch, and double-sided tape.
If you’re looking for more ideas to get your creative juices flowing, I’ve compiled a list of 27 back-to-school crafts that you can explore.
DIY Woven Yarn Bowl
Crafting a bowl using this technique can be an incredibly therapeutic experience. The repetitive motion required for weaving the yarn can be meditative, providing a sense of calm and relaxation as you work. As you focus on each loop and stitch, any stress or anxiety melts away, replaced by a sense of accomplishment and pride in your handiwork.
nThe best part of creating this bowl is its versatility – it can serve as a beautiful decorative piece to hold small items like potpourri, trinkets, or even as a functional container for keys, coins, or other knick-knacks. And the process of shaping and molding the paper plate into the desired form can be quite cathartic.
nThe materials needed are straightforward: thick yarn (you can find high-quality options [here](insert link)), a roll of scotch tape, and the bowl you want to transform into your new masterpiece.
Classroom Wishlist
A classroom wish tree is more than just a creative endeavor – it’s an opportunity to cultivate the spirit of giving among students. By involving the entire class in this project, you’ll not only create something visually appealing but also instill valuable lessons about the importance of philanthropy and community. Imagine a collective wish list that brings everyone together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Taking it up a notch by making it a seasonal activity can turn it into a beloved tradition, perfect for celebrating holidays like Christmas, Easter, or others with your classroom.
School Supply Mason Jars
Mason jars are a craft supply staple, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. Their versatility makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of projects. One such project is a school-themed mason jar that can be used to store classroom supplies or serve as a charming desk accessory. To get started, simply head to the link provided and select your preferred mason jars.
For added visual appeal, consider applying matte or chalk paint to achieve an opaque finish, then unleash your creativity with custom designs.
Yarn Wrapped Glass Vase
If you still have leftover yarn from your previous project, great! If not, don’t worry – it’s an easy and affordable DIY craft that only requires a small amount of yarn. This unique yarn-wrapped glass vase is perfect for brightening up your teacher’s desk in the classroom or making a thoughtful gift for Teacher’s Day. You can customize the look by substituting the yarn with jute twine for a rustic or bohemian vibe, or opt for colorful twine to add some extra flair.
Math Flower crafts
While I may not be a math enthusiast in my everyday life, I find that incorporating math into craft projects is a game-changer. There’s something uniquely engaging about learning through hands-on activities that makes even the most mundane subjects feel exciting and interactive. For instance, these math flowers can serve as a fun and effective way to help younger students memorize their multiplication tables.
Once you’ve created the flowers, you can display them prominently in your classroom for everyone to learn from and enjoy. This visual aid not only helps reinforce mathematical concepts but also adds a touch of color and whimsy to your learning space. Moreover, these math flowers can be used to explore other fundamental math concepts like place value, tally marks, addition, and subtraction sentences. The possibilities are endless, making them an excellent addition to any math curriculum.
Pipe Cleaner Pencil Toppers
When I was in school, the trend for decorating pencils with unique and quirky accessories was at its peak. The creativity and individuality expressed through these embellishments were a big part of our self-expression. Fast-forwarding to today, pipe cleaner pencil toppers offer a similar sense of excitement and personalization. With their malleability, you can craft an array of designs, from statement hats to heartfelt symbols, even personalized initials – the possibilities are endless!
Simply grab some pipe cleaners [link] and let your creativity flow. If you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve also curated a list of easy-to-make pipe cleaner crafts that your kids will surely adore.
Pebble Magnets
Imagine a tiny canvas that’s waiting for your creative touch. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these dual-purpose pebbles – a mix of natural beauty and magnetic charm. As you carefully paint each one, you’re not only exercising your fine-motor skills, but also crafting unique pieces of art that deserve to be showcased. Why settle for storing them away in a pouch when you can turn them into functional magnets that will attract attention?
With just a few simple steps and some basic supplies, you can transform these pebbles into one-of-a-kind decorative accents that will add a personal touch to any room. So go ahead, get creative, and discover the joy of combining art and function!
Crayon Monogram
Remembering our previous exploration with crayon wreaths, let’s dive into another creative project that’s perfect for classrooms: monogrammed crayon letters. Once completed, these colorful creations can be proudly displayed in a framed and mounted design, all within an hour. To get started, gather your supplies – crayons, cardstock for the background, glue to secure the crayons, and a basic frame of your preference.
Camping Writing craft
Camping has long been a staple team-building activity that kids of all ages eagerly anticipate. The thrill of roasting marshmallows over an open flame, the excitement of cozying up in a sleeping bag – it’s no wonder why camping is often considered a rite of passage. This project offers an innovative way to bring this beloved experience indoors, allowing students to relive the magic within the comfort of their own classroom.
By creating a comprehensive camping checklist that incorporates every letter of the word, students can develop essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Alternatively, for those who have recently returned from a camping trip, reflecting on their adventures on their sleeping bags serves as a meaningful keepsake, allowing them to relive cherished memories.
Animal Alphabet Craft
Teaching alphabet to younger students is an essential part of their educational journey. It’s crucial to make this learning experience enjoyable and engaging for them. One way to achieve this is by incorporating fun and interactive projects into the lesson plan. Animal-themed alphabets are a great example of such a project, serving not only as a teaching tool but also as a creative outlet for students.
By crafting animal letters, students can develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity while simultaneously learning the alphabet. This dual-purpose approach makes it an effective way to spend quality time with kids, fostering a love for learning that will last beyond the classroom.
Thankful Sunflower Paper Plate Craft for Pre-schoolers
There’s something undeniably cheerful about sunflowers, isn’t there? They have a way of brightening up even the gloomiest of days. And when it comes to crafting with young children, they’re an excellent source of inspiration. Why not take things to the next level by involving pre-schoolers in a fun and creative activity like painting sunflowers? Instead of relying on plain paper, why not try something new? Paper plates can provide a unique and exciting canvas for tiny artists.
Simply gather paints, brushes, and newspaper – essential for containing any spills or messes – and let the creativity flow.
Butterfly Nature Craft
Transform recess into a creative adventure by assigning young students a nature-inspired task. Ask them to forage for items like colorful leaves, small flowers, and blades of grass. Once they return from their quest, they can spend the rest of their afternoon engaged in crafting butterflies using these natural materials. To make it even more enjoyable, provide butterfly templates for inspiration or encourage students to draw their own designs.
As a bonus, explore our collection of 27 classroom crafts for even more creative ideas!
