Fall and Christmas Craft Ideas
October 14, 2020
During my years teaching at a day care/preschool and teaching elementary Sunday school classes, I found that boys liked to create craft projects just as much as the girls. In fall and winter months, many parts of the country have many nights that they are not able to go outside for activities due to inclement weather or the sun setting earlier. Below are several craft ideas for your Ranger Kids and Discovery Rangers groups.
RANGER KIDS
I tried to select craft projects that K-2nd graders could complete with little supervision. If you are the only leader with several boys, you will need crafts that boys can work on with some independence, allowing you to focus on the younger boys in the class.
Tissue Paper Pumpkin
Use orange tissue paper and glue sticks to create this easy pumpkin. You will need to draw a pumpkin shape on card stock or construction paper. You can also use this free pumpkin coloring page that can be photocopied onto the card stock or construction paper.
Cone Turkeys
This cone turkey has a few more supplies to gather, but it is very easy. You can have the boys cut out their own beak, gobbler, and eyes, or you can use this free template and cut them out ahead.
https://www.craftymorning.com/turkey-cone-craft-kids-make-hat-idea/
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Turkey-Cut-Out-Template-2891286
Fall Yarn Trees
Using the free tree template or letting the boys draw their own tree, this colorful craft will be fun for your Ranger Kids. Be sure to watch the boys as they use the white glue because they can quickly get more glue on their papers than they need.
Celery Stamped Owl
Use celery and brown paint to create the feathers on this owl. It you need a template for the owl, I found a free resource you can photocopy on a variety of colorful or printed card stock.
Craft Stick Christmas Tree
These are easy trees that Ranger Kids can make. They may want to make more than one. You can use anything you want for the ornaments. The link provides several suggestions. You can buy colored craft sticks or make your own, using spray paint or water with food coloring. (If you use the water with food coloring, be sure to allow enough time to soak the craft sticks and allow them to dry.)
https://onelittleproject.com/popsicle-stick-christmas-trees/
Mason Jar Lid Wreaths/Ornaments
This would make a great ornament to give to parents or grandparents. It is a bit more challenging because you will need use the glue gun for the boys. You only need to gather as many decorations as you want. The mason jar lids and twine are the main components of this craft.
DISCOVERY RANGERS
I tried to select craft projects that 3rd-5th graders could complete with little supervision. If you are the only leader with several boys, you will need crafts that boys can work on with some independence, allowing you to focus on the boys who may need extra help.
Rolled Paper Pumpkin
Using paper filigree to create this pumpkin may be intriguing for Discovery Rangers. The best thing about this project is that every pumpkin is meant to be unique. You only need construction paper and glue sticks for this craft.
https://onecreativemommy.com/easy-rolled-paper-pumpkin-craft/
Tissue Paper Leaves
This site provides a link to a leaf template page that can be printed on construction paper or card stock. The only other supplies you need are tissue paper and glue. Again, watch the boys with the glue. You may recommend they only glue a small portion of the leave at a time to fill with the tissue paper wads.
https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/58634/fall-craft-tissue-paper-leaves
LEGO Stamped Indian Corn
Who knew all the LEGOs boys use to build things could be used to stamp in a craft project. You can certainly do this craft just as it is described in the link; however, you could have the boys stamp directly onto the Indian corn pattern that has been photocopied on construction paper.
Celery Stamped Owl
Use celery and brown paint to create the feathers on this owl. It you need a template for the owl, I found a free resource you can photocopy on a variety of colorful or printed card stock.
Mason Jar Lid Wreaths/Ornaments
This would make a great ornament to give to parents or grandparents. It is a bit more challenging because you may need use the glue gun for the boys. If you use a cold glue gun, the older boys may be able to glue their own with supervision. You only need to gather as many decorations as you want. The mason jar lids and twine are the main components of this craft.
Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
This craft makes a great gift for parents or grandparents. It is so easy the boys will want to make more than one. Be sure to instruct the boys about putting the shorter lengths of ribbon near the top of the cinnamon stick so that finished product will resemble a tree. At this age, you could have the boys cut their own ribbon. Be sure to have templates or rulers for them to use, indicating the correct measurement for each row on the tree.
Sandra Blanchard
Administrative Assistant to the National Director
Royal Rangers USA
Royal Rangers USA