4th of July Crafts for Toddlers and Kids

The Fourth of July is just around the corner and while we know most years, the holiday is spent having a cookout, going to a parade, and watching fireworks, this year is a little different. With COVID-19 still playing a role in our lives, causing events to be cancelled and keeping us socially distant, it can be hard to make holidays feel special. To help you and your family get in the spirit of things, our preschool in Raleigh is sharing some fun, simple 4th of July Crafts that toddlers and preschoolers can make!

First, most of these crafts involve stars so if you're not great at free-handing stars to cut out, you can Google "star templates" and find plenty of blank printables like this one.

Safe Sparkler for Toddlers

Sparklers are a huge hit with kids, but while they may be fine for older kids, they're not ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. They don't need to miss out on the fun though with this safe, but festive 4th of July wand!

You'll need:

• A block of foam large enough to cut out a 3-inch foam star
• Red and blue craft paint
• Red, white, and blue ribbons (fabric or curling ribbons both work great!)
• Wooden dowel
• Scissors
• Paint brush

Instructions:

• Paint the foam star red, blue, or create a pattern and let it dry;
• Paint the wooden dowel red or blue and let it dry;
• Insert the dowel into the bottom of the foam star until it's secure (you can add a dot of glue to the top to increase hold);
• Tie ribbons to the top of the dowel where it meets the star;

If you don't have foam, you can try this alternative method:

You'll need:

• Apiece of cardboard or corrugated plastic large enough to cut two 3-inch stars
• Hot glue gun

Instructions:

• Cut the star shapes out of your cardboard or plastic (you can get blank corrugated plastic at Wal-Mart where the "for rent" and "for sale signs are in the hardware section!);
• Place the dowel in between the two stars and use the hot glue to stick the stars together around the dowel;

What we love about this is that you can use this idea for all kinds of occasions - princess parties can be painted pastels, Halloween events can be done in orange, black, and glow-in-the-dark, etc.  

Courtesy of All Kids Network

Rocket Flyers

While there won't be any red glare from these rockets, these are a fun take on paper airplanes. Even though the original design has instructions to "fire" the rocket for older kids, we tinkered with it to make it more toddler and preschooler friendly. 

You'll need: 

• Construction paper in red, white, and blue;
• Crepe paper, Washi tape, or washable markers and crayons;
• Tape;
• Craft adhesive or mod podge;
• Paper towels or tissue;

Instructions: 

• If using crayons or markers, decorate the white paper with red and blue artwork;
• Roll the piece of white construction paper into a 1-inch tube and tape it closed;
• Fold down one end like you're wrapping a package and tape it down. Press the other end into more of a flat point and tape it closed;
• Create a cone out of red or blue paper to make the top of the rocket and tape it shut. Glue a balled up paper towel, tissue, or crepe into the point of the cone so it's sturdy and won't bend or crush when it lands;
• If using crepe or washi tape on the cylinder of the rocket, now is the time to cover the cylinder;
• Apply adhesive into the cone of the rocket to hold it to the paper cylinder;
• Add red or blue construction paper strips to the other end of the rocket;

Courtesy of Brain Power Boy

Hand Print Fireworks

A red, white, and blue explosion lights up the night sky, but why wait until dark for fireworks when your kids can make some? This is fun for all ages because older kids can add a bit more "pizzazz" to theirs while little ones can keep it simple. 

You'll need:

• Red, white, blue, and black construction paper or cardstock;
• Glue or glue sticks;
• Scissors or safety scissors;
• Pen or pencil
• Glitter (Optional! Or you can use pom-poms, confetti, seed beads, or something else instead);

Instructions:

• Lay down a piece of newspaper or a vinyl tablecloth or something to catch any glitter or glue;
• Trace your child's hand print, cut it out, and use it as a template to cut out 8 or 9 more hand prints. Older children can often do this themselves;
• Glue the hand prints onto the black paper in an overlapping circle, rotating the red, white, and blue;
• Outline the outside of the fingerprints in glue or use a glue stick on all the fingertips;
• Dump glitter on the glue and shake it around to coat. If using pom-poms, they'll probably need to be glued down individually;
• Dump off excess glitter;

Courtesy of All Kids Network

Have a Safe & Happy 4th of July from Primary Beginnings

We hope you and your family have a safe, happy 4th of July this year! If you’re looking for a caring, nurturing environment at a 5 star child care center in Raleigh, contact us today at our North Hills Drive location at 919-785-0303 or our Spring Forest location at 919-790-6888 or schedule a tour below!