Holiday Crafts for Older Students

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to engage older students in creative and educational activities. Holiday crafts not only keep them occupied but also help develop their fine motor skills, encourage creativity, and instill a sense of accomplishment. Here, we explore some engaging holiday craft ideas suitable for older students.

Holiday crafts offer a wonderful opportunity for older students to apply what they've learned in various subjects, such as geometry in art or science principles in DIY projects. Moreover, these activities foster teamwork and communication skills when done in groups. Let's delve into some inspiring holiday craft ideas that older students will enjoy.

DIY Holiday Ornaments

Creating personalized ornaments is a fun and engaging holiday craft that older students can enjoy. These ornaments can be used to decorate the school Christmas tree or given as gifts to family and friends.

Here are two DIY ornament ideas that older students can try:

Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are a classic holiday craft that's easy and fun to make. All you need is flour, salt, water, and acrylic paint. Students can create various shapes and designs, then paint and decorate them once dry.

To make salt dough ornaments, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of water. Knead the dough until smooth, then roll it out and use cookie cutters to create shapes. Use a straw to make a hole for hanging, then bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours or until hard. Once cooled, students can paint and decorate their ornaments.

Popsicle Stick Ornaments

Popsicle stick ornaments are another simple and engaging craft idea. Students can create various designs, such as trees, stars, or gingerbread men, using just popsicle sticks, glue, and paint.

To make popsicle stick ornaments, have students design their ornaments by gluing popsicle sticks together. Once the glue is dry, students can paint their ornaments and add any embellishments, such as glitter, sequins, or small beads. Use a hole punch to create a hole for hanging.

Holiday Card Designs

Creating holiday cards is an excellent way for older students to express their creativity and spread holiday cheer. They can design and create cards for their families, friends, or even to sell as a fundraiser for their school.

Here are two holiday card design ideas that older students can explore:

Watercolor Cards

Watercolor painting is a relaxing and rewarding activity that older students can enjoy. They can create beautiful holiday cards using watercolors and various cardstock or paper.

To make watercolor holiday cards, have students start by sketching their design on watercolor paper or cardstock. Then, they can paint their design using watercolors, allowing the paint to blend and create unique effects. Once dry, students can add any embellishments, such as stickers, washi tape, or glitter, to finish their cards.

Paper Snowflakes

Paper snowflakes are a classic holiday craft that's easy and fun to make. Older students can create intricate and unique snowflakes using just paper and scissors.

To make paper snowflakes, have students fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally, then fold it again into a thin strip. They can then cut out various shapes and sizes from the edges of the folded paper. When unfolded, the paper will reveal a beautiful and unique snowflake design. Students can glue their snowflakes onto cardstock or paper to create holiday cards.

Encouraging older students to engage in holiday crafts not only keeps them busy during the festive season but also helps develop their creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. By exploring these engaging and educational craft ideas, older students can create lasting memories and unique holiday keepsakes. So, gather your materials and let the holiday crafting begin!