Father's Day Crafts for the Preschool Classroom
Posted: Saturday, May 23, 2009
by Stephany Springer
Father's Day is fast approaching which means as teachers now is the time to plan for gifts. No matter how prepared I think I am, special crafts always seem to take twice as long to do in the preschool classroom. I am not sure if it is because I always plan to much or if it never taking into account the messiness of projects.
Either way, now is the time to start planning and gathering supplies. For those not sure what to do this year, here are a few suggestions of activities I have do or will do this year.
Be sure to ask each child to bring a t-shirt for their dad. Kids love making special presents for their fathers. Therefore, you want to make sure it is something they can actually wear. There are several ways to decorate. You can let the kids tie dye and write number one dad on it. You can let them place different color hand prints on the shirt and then write, "#1 Dad, Hands Down!"
Hats
Plain white baseball caps can be bought at the local craft store or teacher supply store. You can also check out the local hardware store for painters hats. Have the kids splatter paint to decorate or sponge paint with different "dad" designs such as baseballs, tools, etc. Use a fabric marker to write #1 Dad on the front. Be sure to use fabric paint and have lots of cleaning supplies handy since it is not washable.
Footprints
Have the children walk across construction paper or poster board after stepping in paint. Then write, "I am walking in your footprints!" You can even buy inexpensive frames from the dollar store. Dads have expressed gratitude for this gift because they can use it as a daily reminder of how they are a role model for their child. Another option is to include this poem on the bottom or side of the footprints.
Walk a little slower daddy," said a child so small. "I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fall. Sometimes your steps are very fast, Sometimes they're hard to see; So walk a little slower, Daddy, For you are leading me. Someday when I'm all grown up, You're what I want to be; Then I will have a little child Who'll want to follow me. And I would want to lead just right, And know that I was true; So walk a little slower, Daddy, For I must follow you."
Calendar
Print out a calendar from the computer for the next year. Have the children draw pictures for each month of the year. In January, they can draw snowmen, February maybe some hearts and so on. Then have it spiral bound as a gift for their dad.
Pictures
Have the moms bring some of the children's fathers clothes to dress up in. Have the children pose for a picture pretending to work like their dad does or just posing with a smile. Then create a frame out of foam sheets, construction paper or craft sticks.
Drawings
Allow their kids to use their imaginations and draw a picture of their dad playing with them. Pull out all the art materials; paint, markers,etc. Then place in a frame for dad.
Paperweight
Have the children mold modeling clay in any shape they want. Then stick items such as screws, nails, fishing hooks into the clay. Let dry. It makes a great paperweight. Make sure you monitor this craft closely for safety reasons.
These are just a few suggestions. Enjoy the kids imaginations and the messes that are sure to come. It will be all worth it to watch the kids get excited about making their dads presents.
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