Fourth of July is the perfect time to have your child create customized crafts in celebration of independence! Below are 5 ideas to build upon fine motor skills.
5 4th of July Crafts to Build Fine Motor Skills:
- Star-Spangled Flags: Gather red and white acrylic paint, blue construction paper, 10-15 popsicle sticks, glue, and glitter. After painting the popsicle sticks red and white and letting them dry, glue the backs together horizontally to make the stripes of the flag onto one full popsicle stick on the left (the flag staff) and two half pieces of popsicle stick on the middle and the right). Cut out a blue square and affix it to the top left corner of the flag. Use glitter and glue to create the stars. The older the child, the more precise you can encourage them to be when making the stars.
- Holiday-Themed Tissue Paper Crafts: Download a template of a flag or star and trace it onto a piece of white cardboard. For younger kids, plan out and label the placement of the colors to assist them in organization. For older kids, encourage them to create and measure their own template using a ruler. Gather red, white, and blue squares of tissue paper (can be precut or cut by the student). Have them place small amounts of glue onto the cardboard and then twist and glue or crumble the tissue paper on top. The end result will be a beautiful holiday themed craft they can showcase to friends and family.
- String Beads on a Pipe Cleaner: A great option for young children to promote pincer grasp and improve hand arch development. Can also work with string to create personalized and holiday themed necklaces and bracelets.
- Fourth of July Friendship Bracelets: Requires 3 arms-length sized pieces of of red, white, and blue embroidery floss, a piece of cardboard, and scissors. Locate a do-it-yourself, step-by-step instruction guide from the internet which will provide pictures and detailed instructions of several how-to-braid patterns. These patterns vary from easy to hard, so there are plenty of different options. This activity is great for hand strengthening, in hand manipulation, and fine motor coordination.
- Have Kids Practice Painting Each Other’s Finger Nails! This skill requires sustained attention as well as fine motor precision and control. Encourage your child to be creative and explore different colors and designs.
