The long summer days are coming to an end, but kids still like to have time for a fun craft now and then. A wind-down time after school or a rainy day on the weekend is the perfect time for crafts, and you don’t need a trip to the store to start. With a bit of imagination, everyday items from around the house can be turned into fun projects that help kids stay busy and learn the value of reuse at the same time.
Empty cereal boxes, toilet paper rolls, scrap paper, and used gift wrap are all great materials to start with. These items are often tossed out without a second thought, but they can be the base for a homemade puzzle, puppet theater, or even a new board game. An old sock can become a puppet with the help of some buttons and glue. A used egg carton can turn into a caterpillar, a flower tray, or a paint palette.
Creating something new from items you already have is a great way to keep materials out of the trash while giving kids a creative outlet. Encourage kids to come up with their own ideas by setting out a small box of clean recyclables and letting them explore what they can build. Add some crayons, glue, tape, and scissors, and see what they come up with.
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