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Time for your little turkey to take center stage in a puppet show with this easy fall craft! I like paper crafts like this because you can buy all these items for next to nothing and you probably already have most of the items needed to make one of these turkey puppets! This is the perfect fall and Thanksgiving toddler, preschooler, kindergartener, even older kid fine motor activity!
This easy fine motor craft allows kids the opportunity to use scissors to cut paper, apply and learn about glue, and provides a chance for cognitive and language skills improvement as getting excited and describing the different colors and textures of the brown paper bag, construction paper, and plastic googly eyes fosters increased language development.
To make this easy Paper Bag Turkey Puppet Kid’s Craft, you’ll need a brown paper bag, construction paper, pen, scissors, googly eyes, glue stick, and school glue. This one is SUPER easy to make – even the un-craftiest person can figure out this simple Thanksgiving toddler craft!
In case you didn’t know, a wattle is the fleshy red protuberance that hangs on a turkey’s neck. According to Chef Resource’s article, the wattle is connected to another protrusion known as the snood. Together, the wattle and snood really help define the face of a turkey. You can turn this into an educational opportunity by teaching the kids about what turkeys are made of as you guide them in creating their very own waddle and snood as part of their festive turkey puppet craft!
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Cutting, gluing, painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Brown paper bag. You’ll need a brown paper bag to make this craft.
Construction paper. You’ll need construction paper to make the feathers, nose, and wattle. We used red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple paper.
Pen. Grab a pen or pencil.
Scissors. If kids are cutting, make sure to use kid friendly toddler scissors.
Googly eyes. We used large craft googly eyes for our turkeys.
Glue stick. Use a glue stick to glue paper to paper. When gluing paper to paper, I always use a glue stick as it’s plenty strong.
School glue. You'll need school glue to stick the googly eyes on the paper bag as it's stronger than a glue stick and is needed to hold the eyes on the bag.
STEP 1: Use a pen to draw feathers on different colors of construction paper (we used rainbow colors - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple), then cut them out. Do the same for the nose and mouth (the mouth is known as the “wattle”).
STEP 2: To make the nose, use scissors to cut a small corner of a piece of orange construction paper to create a triangle.
STEP 3: To make the wattle (mouth), use a pen to draw a slightly stretched out “S” shape. Refer to the post for the photo example.
STEP 4: Use a glue stick to glue the feathers to the back of the brown paper bag. Use school glue to glue the eyeballs on the bag. Using a glue stick, glue the nose and wattle under the eyes, to the paper bag.
STEP 5: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Turkey Headshot – Easy Toddler Thanksgiving Craft
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree – Easy Toddler Craft
Popcorn Sensory Bin (Thanksgiving)
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Toilet Paper Roll Upcycled Crafts
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Finally, if you make this Brown Paper Bag Turkey Puppet Craft, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
My toddler daughter and I love making easy preschool crafts such as this for Thanksgiving and fall! Inspire your child’s creativity while simultaneously teaching them how to spell their name. Check out this easy-to-make feather name turkey. This is the best fine motor activity and November craft for children in preschool, kindergarten, homeschool, and daycare! If you have older kids, let them guide the smaller children and help them as you take care of more important things!
Toddlers love all holidays and enjoy this craft as it’s fun as they get to learn about turkeys and reinforces how to spell their name. It’s such an easy and cheap dollar store craft that we’ve been making every November since my now five-year-old daughter was two! Nothing says “gobble gobble” like a turkey art craft like this! Use this opportunity to improve language skills by talking about turkeys, plumage, how to spell their name, and the Thanksgiving holiday.
I love easy and cheap crafts like these! To make this turkey craft, all you need is a paper plate, crayons (we used brown, orange, red, and yellow), black marker, construction paper (we picked orange, red, and yellow paper), a pair of scissors, googly eyeballs, and school glue or a hot glue gun and hot glue.
Motor skills are needed to perform many tasks in life. Fine motor skills involve tying your shoes, drawing, and writing. Gross motor skills involve walking, running, climbing, jumping, and engage your larger limbs and trunk.
Fine motor skills include smaller muscle groups such as the hand and wrist. Gross motor skills involve larger muscles needed for movement in the legs, arms, and torso. This is the perfect fine motor activity craft as it engages the small muscles in your kid’s hands and fingers to create this turkey craft.
If you like fall preschool fine motor crafts, then you’ll love my easy Turkey Headshot craft, Fall Leaf Painting Craft, Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree Craft, and Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin!
My Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and older kids at daycare, preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, and homeschool!
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Cutting, gluing, painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Paper plate. You’ll need a paper plate.
Crayons. We used orange, red, brown, and yellow crayons.
Black marker. A black Sharpie marker or other similar black marker works best.
Construction paper. Grab some orange, red, and yellow construction paper.
Scissors. If kids are cutting, make sure to use kid friendly toddler scissors.
Googly eyes. Use craft googly eyes for the turkey’s face.
Glue. Use school glue or hot glue to make this.
STEP 1: Using the brown, orange, red, and yellow crayons, draw all over the paper plate.
STEP 2: With scissors, cut the feathers, nose, tongue, and two feet out of orange and red construction paper.
STEP 3: Use a black marker to write the letters of the name on each feather. Also, write the year on the bottom center.
STEP 4: A hot glue gun or regular white school glue can be used to glue the feathers to the back of the paper plate. Glue the googly eyes, nose, tongue, and feet to the paper plate.
STEP 5: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Turkey Headshot – Easy Toddler Thanksgiving Craft
Two-Ingredient Salt Dough Handprint and Footprint
Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Toilet Paper Roll Upcycled Crafts
How to Dye Rainbow Beans for Sensory Bins
Baking Soda, Vinegar & Food Coloring Experiment
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree – Easy Toddler Craft
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Popcorn Sensory Bin (Halloween)
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Finally, if you make this Feather Name Turkey craft, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
This is one of the cutest preschool or kindergarten Christmas crafts! It’s the best winter fine motor activity for young kids as they get to play with pom poms and place them on the “wreath” ornament. Toddlers and preschoolers love glue and pom poms so this was a fantastic activity for my two-year old this morning. My kid gets to play with pom poms daily so that wasn’t a big deal—but the school glue—now, that was new and exciting to her! Fast forward three years later when my now five-year-old daughter saw this on my computer this morning and she’s just as excited to make a photo wreath at age 5 than she was at age 3!
I love this easy fall or winter Christmas kid’s craft because it’s super cheap and easy to make – it’s so easy that once you set the kids up with the materials needed to make this craft, you can work on another task while the kids have a blast decorating their own photo wreath. If you have a mix of big and small children, let the big kids show the little kids how to make this simple festive craft.
To make a Photo Wreath Ornament, you’ll need cardboard or posterboard, scissors or a craft knife, something round to trace (such as the bottom of a cup or measuring cup), pen or pencil, photo of the child, tape, Christmas craft pom poms, school glue (or a hot glue gun and hot glue sticks), and string or jute twine. If you like this, then you'll love my Clothespin Reindeer DIY Ornaments, Handprint Keepsake Ornament and Popsicle Stick Ornament crafts!
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self-esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Cutting, painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently. This craft is perfect as it involves cutting and using the small hand and finger muscles to glue each pom pom to the posterboard.
Posterboard. Use any color posterboard or cardboard to make this ornament craft. Something durable and sturdy such as posterboard or cardboard is necessary to withhold hanging glued pom poms and a photo ornament from a tree.
Scissors. If kids are cutting, make sure to use kid friendly toddler scissors.
Cup or water bottle. You’ll need a circular object to trace. I used a 16.9-oz. water bottle and traced the bottom. You can also use a cup or measuring cup.
Pen. A pen or pencil is needed to make this craft.
Photo. Find a headshot(s) of your kid or kids.
Tape. Tape is needed to tape the photo to the back of the ornament.
Pom poms. Feel free to use any color of pom poms. We used mostly green with some red, but you can also add in some festive colors such as silver or gold, if desired. These Christmas pom poms are excellent!
School glue. Use school glue to stick the pom poms on the cardstock.
Hot glue gun. Although optional, I find hot glue necessary to keep the pom poms from falling from the posterboard.
String. String or jute twine is needed to hang the ornament.
STEP 1: Grab something to trace around for the photo (a 16.9 oz. water bottle works great if you loosely draw around it) and use a pen to draw around it. You can draw the circle, skipping every few centimeters and still cut a fairly even circle. Find something larger and then trace around the circle you just drew with that larger object.
STEP 2: Use scissors or a craft knife to cut the shapes out.
STEP 3: Use tape on the backside of the ornament to stick the photo to the center.
STEP 4: Pour school glue all over the cardboard or posterboard and have the kids place pom poms all over the wreath. We used predominantly green pom poms, and sparsely used red. Let the glue dry.
STEP 5: Use a hot glue gun and hot glue, if you prefer, to place additional pom poms on top of existing pom poms. Run your fingers through the pom poms and if any fall off, use a dab of hot glue to stick them back. I used a lot of hot glue because a lot of pom poms weren’t sticking as good as I liked.
STEP 6: Place the string on the backside of the ornament in a roughly two-inch horizontal line. Use the hot glue to stick the string to the ornament. Let dry.
STEP 7: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Two-Ingredient Salt Dough Handprint and Footprint
Clothespin Reindeer DIY Ornaments
Easy Christ-Centered Christmas Crafts
Turkey Headshot – Easy Toddler Thanksgiving Craft
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree – Easy Toddler Craft
Clay Bowls—Easy Mother’s/Father’s Day Keepsake Gifts
DIY Homemade Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift—Handprint-Potted Cactus
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Finally, if you make this Photo Wreath Ornament Craft, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Instead of tossing your used toilet paper rolls, save them for an fun upcycled craft! This craft is great for toddlers, preschool, kindergarten, and young school aged children. It is a fun homeschool activity too! Teach the kids all about recycling as they use their fine motor skills to cut paper and shapes out of construction paper to create these cute minion (hello Despicable Me - part 4 just came out!), Olaf from the Disney movie Frozen, spring flowers, and a ladybug, all decorated over a toilet paper roll!
Toddlers and even older kids enjoy these easy, movie-themed kid’s crafts! They get a lot of satisfaction out of bringing paper and toilet paper rolls to life with crafts! You can even create butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and other bugs, on these upcycled toilet paper rolls. The possibilities are endless with the number of animals and insects kids could create on the toilet paper rolls! If you like easy and cheap preschool and kindergarten fine motor crafts, then you'll love my Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree – Easy Toddler Craft and Fall Leaf Paintings craft!
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, cutting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Toilet paper roll. Upcycle a used toilet paper roll to make this craft.
Cardstock or construction paper. Depending on which toilet paper roll upcycled craft you make, you’ll need cardstock or construction paper.
Pom poms. The spring flower toilet paper roll craft calls for pom poms.
Black pen. Find a black pen. These are my favorite black pens!
School glue. School glue is stronger than a glue stick and is needed to make this craft.
Black marker. A black Sharpie marker or other similar black marker works best.
Glue stick. Use a glue stick to make this craft. When it comes to gluing paper to paper, I always use a glue stick as they're plenty strong for gluing paper.
Scissors. If kids are cutting, make sure to use kid friendly toddler scissors.
Pencil. A pencil is needed to make this.
Googly eyes. If you're making the Ladybug Toilet Paper Roll Upcycled Craft, then you'll need googly eyes.
STEP 1: To make this craft, you’ll need an upcycled toilet paper roll and construction paper (black, blue, yellow, and white). First, place a toilet paper roll on a piece of yellow construction paper and use a ruler and pencil to draw an even line long enough to fully wrap and slightly overlap the toilet paper roll. Use school glue to glue it around the toilet paper roll. Make sure the top 2/3 of the toilet paper roll is covered in yellow paper.
STEP 2: Next, use a pencil to draw the blue overalls. Refer to the post for a visual idea of what it should look like. Use scissors to cut the blue overalls out. Use a glue stick to glue the overalls onto the toilet paper roll. Using a black pen, draw a pocket on the front, if desired.
STEP 3: Next, trace a small circular object over white paper. Use scissors to cut the circles out. These will be the minion’s eyes. Place the white eyes over a piece of cream-colored paper, drawing a ¼-inch line around them. Cut them out with scissors. Use a glue stick to glue the smaller white portion of the eyes you just cut onto the center of the cream-colored paper. Using a black marker, draw small black circles in the center of each eye (one black circle per eyeball).
STEP 4: Cut a ½-inch piece of black construction paper and use a glue stick to place it about ½-inch down from the top of the minion’s head, wrapping all the way around the back. Glue the eyes over the black strip of glued paper.
STEP 5: Use your hands to glue the eyes (one or two eyes, depending on how many you want to use) over the top of the toilet paper roll as shown in the post. Use a black pen to draw a smile on the face.
STEP 6: Cut small hands out of black paper and use a glue stick to glue them onto the top of the blue overalls.
STEP 7: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
STEP 1: To make this craft, you’ll need an upcycled toilet paper roll, construction paper, and a black pen. Use scissors to cut ¼-inch x 4-inch strips of brown construction paper, making sure they’re about two inches higher than the toilet paper roll.
STEP 2: Place the toilet paper roll on a piece of white paper. Using a ruler and pencil, draw an even line where the top of the toilet paper is, long enough to fully wrap around and slightly overlap the toilet paper roll. Cut the piece of white paper and use school glue to glue the white paper around the roll, overlapping it slightly before it ends.
STEP 3: On an orange piece of construction paper, trace a small circular object such as a quarter or the top of a small cup. Use scissors to cut the circle out. Fold it and cut it, forming a half moon shape. You’ll only need one half of the orange circle to form the nose. Use a red marker to draw lines across the nose.
STEP 4: Use a black marker and draw eyes about 1/3 of the way down. Fill in the centers of the eyes with smaller black circles, as shown in the post. Draw a mouth, tooth, and eyebrows.
STEP 5: Use school glue to stick the orange nose so it’s covering the bottoms of both eyes slightly. Use school glue to glue the brown paper hair in the inside of the toilet paper roll, making sure to glue 1-1.5 inches below the top.
STEP 5: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
STEP 1: To make this craft, you’ll need an upcycled toilet paper roll, black and red construction paper, googly eyes, school glue, and a black marker. Use scissors to cut a piece of black construction paper to cover the roll.
STEP 2: Place the used toilet paper roll on a piece of black construction paper. Using a ruler and pencil, draw a line on the paper at the same height as the toilet paper roll and make sure it’s long enough to wrap around the toilet paper roll. Cut the piece of black paper and use school glue to glue the paper around the roll, overlapping it slightly before it ends.
STEP 3: Use a pencil to draw two 2-inch by ½-inch pieces of black construction paper. Cut them out. Use school glue to glue them about halfway down, inside the toilet paper roll. These are the two antennae.
STEP 4: Using a pencil, draw an oblong circle on red construction paper. Cut it out. Fold it in half widthwise and then use scissors to cut it on the crease.
STEP 5: Using a black marker, make varying sizes of black circles, filled in with black ink. These are the spots.
STEP 6: Use school glue to glue the two red pieces of paper about ½-inch down from the antennae. Only glue about 1-inch of the red paper. Gently fold the two red wings out to fan them out a bit.
STEP 7: Dot school glue right beneath the antennae for the 2 googly eyes. Stick the googly eyes on the top of the roll. Let the glue dry.
STEP 4: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
STEP 1: To make this craft, you’ll need an upcycled toilet paper roll, construction paper, cardstock, a yellow pom pom, and school glue.
STEP 2: Place the used toilet paper roll on a piece of light green cardstock. Using a ruler and pencil, draw a line on the cardstock at the same height as the toilet paper roll and make sure it’s long enough to wrap around the toilet paper roll. Cut the piece of cardstock and use school glue to glue the cardstock around the roll, overlapping it slightly before it ends.
STEP 3: To make the leaves, use a pencil to draw two teardrop or leaf shapes on dark green cardstock. Draw smaller teardrop shapes on light green cardstock to fit inside the dark green cardstock. Use scissors to cut the cardstock out. Use school glue to glue the light green teardrops in the center of the dark green teardrop shapes. Apply school glue to the bottom of the roll and glue the leaves on the bottom.
STEP 4: To make the tulip, use a pencil to draw a 3-inch tall tulip shape on a piece of yellow cardstock or construction paper. Place the tulip on top of the toilet paper roll and use a pencil to draw two ½ inch slits to allow the tulip to rest over the roll. Use scissors to cut the slits.
To make the pink flower, first use a pencil to draw a flower shape on a piece of pink cardstock or construction paper. Cut the shape out. Use school glue to stick a yellow pom pom in the center of the flower. Place the flower on top of the toilet paper roll and use a pencil to draw two ½ inch slits to allow the tulip to rest over the roll. Use scissors to cut the slits.
STEP 5: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree – Easy Toddler Craft
Clay Bowls—Easy Mother’s/Father’s Day Keepsake Gifts
DIY Homemade Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift—Handprint-Potted Cactus
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Seven Easy Father’s Day Cards – Easy Kid’s DIY Crafts
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Finally, if you make this Toilet Paper Rolls Craft, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Ready to get your kid's sensory play on?! When I initially made this sensory bin, my then two-year-old loved it as she loves popcorn and all things Thanksgiving! This is one easy, cheap, and educational fall fine motor and sensory activity for toddlers, preschoolers, even older children! You can help your kids hone their fine motor skills by allowing them to engage in sensory play like this fun invitation to play DIY Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin!
Fine motor skills are not fully developed until a kid reaches 8 or 9 years old and is able to tie their shoe and write neatly. You can help your kid hone their fine motor skills by allowing them to engage in sensory play like this fun invitation to play DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin! To make my easy DIY sensory bin, you’ll need a storage bin, popcorn kernels, plastic pumpkins, craft feathers, silicone baking cups, jumbo scoopers and tweezers, pumpkin cookie cutters, and optional play items such as plastic apples and corn. Optional play items could include anything from jumbo scoopers and tweezers to pumpkin cookie cutters to plastic apples and corn. I like to keep each holiday sensory bin themed so I wouldn’t stray too far from the fall Thanksgiving theme although you are certainly welcome to if you wish.
Sensory play is integral for toddlers and engages their senses. Their curious, quickly developing brains, enjoy hearing the sounds of the popcorn kernels as they fall as well as feeling the numerous popcorn kernels and using scoopers, bowls, or cups. This invitation to play is perfect for children in preschool, daycare, kindergarten, and even older kids in grade school or elementary school. Sensory play is calming and provides a nurturing environment in which little kids can play with a themed activity in a small area such as a bin or box.
If you like this cheap and easy kid’s activity, then you’ll love my Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin, Turkey Headshot, Fall Leaf Paintings, Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree, Popcorn Sensory Bin, and Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin crafts!
This is a versatile toddler and kid’s activity as it can also transform into an autumn sensory bin with fake (or real) leaves, acorns, etc.
Storage bin. You’ll need a storage bin or box to make this easy kid’s activity.
Popcorn. Dry popcorn kernels form the sensory base.
Feathers. Craft feathers add a soft sensory experience.
Silicone baking cups. Silicone baking cups are fun as the children can fill them with rice and then dump them out for the ultimate sensory experience.
Jumbo scoopers and tweezers. Jumbo scoopers and jumbo tweezers are the best way for kids to develop fine motor skills.
Pumpkin cookie cutters. Toss in some pumpkin cookie cutters.
Plastic pumpkins. Plastic pumpkins or any other fall or Thanksgiving-like toys, make a wonderful addition to this kid’s activity.
Play food. Toss in a plastic apple and ear of corn for the ultimate Thanksgiving themed sensory bin.
Sensory play is beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers, even older kids! Sensory bins stimulate multiple senses at the same time – including touch, sight, smell, and sound. They also improve fine motor skills as kids dig, scoop, squeeze, and grasp objects in the sensory bins. Sensory bins promote social skills such as taking turns, teamwork, cooperation with their peers, and communication among their friends, family, and parents.
According to Salus University Health’s article, they also support cognitive development as kids can sort hidden items by size and color. Sensory bins are calming activities and provide a quite environment for children to play independently and calmly.
I first made this sensory bin when my daughter was two years old. I like the use of feathers as turkey plumage because my two-year-old learned a new word (feather) and got to feel feathers which reinforces what a feather is to a developing little brain. I also explained to her that birds, including turkeys, are made of feathers. She seemed fascinated by all this and loved the soft texture of the feathers.
She really took my snow idea to a new level as she used the handy scoopers to make the popcorn “snow” all over our outdoor deck. I let her make a mess because it’s so beneficial for her growing brain to not only be outdoors, but to make a mess. She is just a kid after all! Kids make messes and as they do so, their brains are exploring and discovering numerous things. We made this mess outside so I didn’t care as much as a huge mess inside. After the rice “snowed” all over our deck, she got her broom and swept it all down the stairs. Another fine motor skill was used to clean the mess – sweeping!
Motor skills are needed to perform many tasks in life. Fine motor skills involve tying your shoes, drawing, and writing. Gross motor skills involve walking, running, climbing, jumping, and engage your larger limbs and trunk.
Fine motor skills include smaller muscle groups such as the hand and wrist. Gross motor skills involve larger muscles needed for movement in the legs, arms, and torso.
If you like fall preschool and kindergarten fine motor crafts, then you’ll love my easy Fall Leaf Painting Craft, Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree, Vampire Paper Plate Craft, and my Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin!
My Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and older kids at daycare, preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, and homeschool!
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently. This activity is the perfect fine motor activity as kids use their fingers and hands to grasp, pinch, and pour as they play.
STEP 1: Pour the popcorn kernels into a storage bin, making sure to cover the bottom with at least one inch.
STEP 2: Add the silicone baking cups to the bin and pour popcorn into them. Spread the feathers around. Add jumbo scoopers and jumbo tweezers. Place pumpkin cookie cutters, toy plastic pumpkins, and plastic apples and corn inside.
STEP 3: Present your Thanksgiving invitation to play to the kids and watch them light up with excitement!
STEP 4: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree Craft
Fall Leaf Painting Craft – Easy Kid’s Craft
Turkey Headshot – Easy Toddler Thanksgiving Craft
Popcorn Sensory Bin (Halloween)
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Finally, if you make this Popcorn Sensory Bin, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Using their fine motor skills, your kids can use jumbo scoopers and tweezers along with silicone cups or bowls to scoop the rice in this fun and easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin. This is one easy, cheap, and educational fall activity for toddlers, preschoolers, even older children! Fine motor skills are not fully developed until a kid reaches 8 or 9 years old and is able to tie their shoe and write neatly. You can help your kid hone their fine motor skills by allowing them to engage in sensory play like this fun invitation to play DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin!
Sensory play can be free and can involve as little as playing with dirt, sand, or water – preferably outside, but you can do it indoors if you prefer. Winter months here in Salt Lake City are cold and frigid so we have to do most activities indoors. I’ll probably be making a lot more sensory bins during the winter to keep my five-year-old entertained. I love this sensory bin activity so much as it’s cheap, quick, and simple to make!
I am always finding new “toys” as I call the sensory bins. My toddler girl and I picked up the rice and had so much fun playing with this easy and cheap DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin! My daughter and I pretend that it’s snowing and raining rice on the silicone cups.
The silicone molds and handy scoopers can teach kids numbers and counting skills, in addition to them using their fine motor skills to perform intricate activities. They can also be used to sort and learn colors.
To make your Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin, you’ll need a storage bin, rice (we use white rice but any dry rice will work), craft feathers, plastic pumpkins, silicone baking cups (or bowls, cups, large spoons, etc.) and jumbo scoopers and jumbo tweezers. Toss in some toy play turkeys and you’ll really have a Thanksgiving-themed kid’s activity!
If you like this cheap and easy kid’s activity, then you’ll love my Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin, Turkey Headshot, Fall Leaf Paintings, Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree, Popcorn Sensory Bin, and Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin crafts!
Sensory play is beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers, even older kids! Sensory bins stimulate multiple senses at the same time – including touch, sight, smell, and sound. They also improve fine motor skills as kids dig, scoop, squeeze, and grasp objects in the sensory bins. Sensory bins promote social skills such as taking turns, teamwork, cooperation with their peers, and communication among their friends, family, and parents.
According to Salus University Health’s article, they also support cognitive development as kids can sort hidden items by size and color. Sensory bins are calming activities and provide a quite environment for children to play independently and calmly.
Storage bin. You’ll need a storage bin or a box to make this easy kid’s activity.
Rice. Any color or type of dry rice will work; we used white rice.
Feathers. Craft feathers form the turkey’s plumage and add a soft sensory experience.
Silicone baking cups. Silicone baking cups are fun as the children can fill them with rice and then dump them out for the ultimate sensory experience.
Jumbo scoopers and tweezers. Jumbo scoopers and jumbo tweezers are the best way for kids to develop fine motor skills.
Plastic pumpkins. Plastic pumpkins or any other fall or Thanksgiving-like toys, make a wonderful addition to this fall kid’s activity.
Play turkey. If you feel like adding a toy play turkey for your little turkey, then feel free.
I first made this sensory bin when my daughter was two years old. I like the use of feathers as turkey plumage because my two-year-old learned a new word (feather) and got to feel feathers which reinforces what a feather is to a developing little brain. I also explained to her that birds are made of feathers. She seemed fascinated by all this and loved the soft texture of the feathers.
She really took my snow idea to a new level as she used the handy scoopers to make the rice “snow” all over our outdoor deck. I let her make a mess because it’s so beneficial for her growing brain to not only be outdoors, but to make a mess. She is just a kid after all! Kids make messes and as they do so, their brains are exploring and discovering numerous things. We made this mess outside so I didn’t care as much as a huge mess inside. After the rice “snowed” all over our deck, she got her broom and swept it all down the stairs. Another fine motor skill was used to clean the mess – sweeping!
Motor skills are needed to perform many tasks in life. Fine motor skills involve tying your shoes, drawing, and writing. Gross motor skills involve walking, running, climbing, jumping, and engage your larger limbs and trunk.
Fine motor skills include smaller muscle groups such as the hand and wrist. Gross motor skills involve larger muscles needed for movement in the legs, arms, and torso.
If you like fall preschool fine motor crafts, then you’ll love my easy Fall Leaf Painting Craft, Vampire Paper Plate Craft, and my Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin!
My Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and older kids at daycare, preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, and homeschool!
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
STEP 1: Pour rice into your storage bin, making sure to cover the bottom with at least one inch of rice.
STEP 2: Add the silicone baking cups to the bin and pour rice into them. Spread the feathers around. Add jumbo scoopers and jumbo tweezers. Place toy plastic pumpkins or a toy turkey inside. Get as creative as you like!
STEP 3: Present your Thanksgiving invitation to play to the kids and watch them light up with excitement!
STEP 4: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree Craft
Fall Leaf Painting Craft – Easy Kid’s Craft
Turkey Headshot – Easy Toddler Thanksgiving Craft
Popcorn Sensory Bin (Halloween)
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Finally, if you make this Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Time for your little turkey to take center stage with this easy Thanksgiving or fall craft! Grab a cute headshot of your kid and get busy making them the center of attention as this little turkey will adorn your walls with your little one’s handprints as feathers for years to come! This is the perfect fall and Thanksgiving toddler, preschooler, kindergartener, even older kid fine motor activity! If you like fall kid's activities, then you'll love my Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin and Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin!
This easy kid’s craft is also a fantastic sensory activity as you paint your kid’s hand! This sensory activity allows kids the opportunity to feel the texture of paint all over their hands, as they create the feathers. Getting excited and describing the different colors, textures, and body parts (of the turkey) fosters increased language development. If you like kid's photo crafts, then you'll love my Photo Wreath Ornament craft!
To make this easy Turkey Headshot preschool and kid’s craft, you’ll need a headshot of your child, white posterboard, paint, a paint brush, a black marker, a glue stick, and scissors. It’s super easy to make – even the un-craftiest person can figure this easy kid’s craft out!
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Headshot of your little turkey. Find a photo of your little turkey.
White posterboard. You’lll need a piece of white posterboard to make this craft.
Orange, yellow, and brown paint. We use acrylic paint to make this craft.
Paint brush. Grab your paint brush and get ready to paint.
Black Sharpie marker. A black Sharpie marker or other similar black marker works best.
Glue. Use a glue stick to make this craft.
Scissors. If kids are cutting, make sure to use kid friendly toddler scissors.
STEP 1: To create your turkey feathers, get some paint and paint your kid’s hand. We used yellow and orange, alternating. Place it down on white posterboard to create turkey “feathers.”
STEP 2: Allow the paint to dry. While it’s drying, cut and paint your turkey body. We painted ours with brown acrylic paint although water colors or non-toxic Crayola paint will also work.
STEP 3: After the brown paint has dried, use a black marker to draw turkey “feathers” and feet. We also wrote my daughter’s name and the year.
STEP 4: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Two-Ingredient Salt Dough Handprint and Footprint
Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree – Easy Toddler Craft
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Finally, if you make this Turkey Headshot Craft, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
This is a fun fall sensory activity for your little ones. They get to paint with a potato and can learn about how potatoes make French fries, mashed potatoes, and so on. Engaging kids in a potato paint project will encourage language development as they grow excited to talk about all the different things a potato can be made into.
If you like fall preschool and kindergarten kid's crafts, then you’ll love my easy Fall Leaf Painting Craft, Turkey Headshot, Vampire Paper Plate Craft, Halloween Popcorn Sensory Bin, Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin, Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin, and Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin!
My easy Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree craft is perfect for toddlers and older kids at daycare, preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, and homeschool! All you need to make this easy indoor toddler craft is white posterboard, paint, a paint brush, a palette, and a potato.
I love quick and easy art projects and this is definitely one of them! Kids love the idea of painting with something other than a paint brush—especially a potato of all things! My two-year-old enjoyed every moment of this activity and I’m sure we’ll do it again soon since the the frigid cold has arrived. My daughter is now five and is begging me to make this fun kindergarten craft for her now that autumn has arrived and leaves are plentiful.
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
White posterboard. I prefer white posterboard as it’s thicker and holds paint much better than white paper, but you can use white paper if you wish.
Black acrylic paint. You’ll need black acrylic paint to make this craft.
Paint brush. Use a paint brush to paint the tree.
Paint. Use fall colors. We used red, yellow, orange, and brown paint. Feel free to use acrylic or Crayola washable paint.
Color palette. Use a palette to pour the paint on; you can also use upcycled lids from drink, sour cream, yogurt, or oat containers.
Potato. Any type of potato is needed to form a paint “stamp.”
STEP 1: Using a smaller, cut piece of white posterboard, use a paint brush and black paint to paint a tree with lots of branches. Allow the paint to dry.
STEP 2: Wash the potato and chop a piece off, forming a stamp to paint with.
STEP 3: Using the red, orange, yellow, or brown paints, stamp the potato into the color palette and create your potato stamp tree. Let the paint dry and then hang up on the wall to showcase your kid’s art!
STEP 4: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Fall Leaf Painting Craft – Easy Kid’s Craft
Turkey Headshot – Easy Toddler Thanksgiving Craft
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Popcorn Sensory Bin (Halloween)
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin
Coffee Filter Tootsie Pop Ghosts
Halloween Bloody Finger Hot Dogs
Finally, if you make this Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree Craft, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
If you want a free craft, then this one’s for you! It’s finally autumn here in Sandy, Utah, and the leaves are falling, making for some beautiful and creative artwork mediums. We enjoyed going on a walk at a local park to find the all sorts of leaves. Taking the kids to the park to gather leaves gave us a chance to get some fresh fall air as we exercised and improved our vocabulary as we talked about the fall season, painting, and leaf collection. If you like fall preschool crafts, then you’ll love my easy Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree Craft, Turkey Headshot, Vampire Paper Plate Craft, Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin, Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin, and Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin!
My easy Fall Leaf Painting craft is perfect for daycare, preschool, kindergarten, and homeschool! All you need to make this easy indoor toddler craft are leaves, paint, a palette, paint brushes, and posterboard.
Take your kids outside for some fresh air and nature while you collect a bag of leaves for your leaf painting project. This project is beneficial for many reasons – one of which involves walking outside for exercise, and breathing fresh air. Breathing in fresh air has been proven to improve brain function and strengthen the immune system. It’s also been shown to reduce stress.
Painting around the leaves is one way to get the creative juices flowing in your little one. After we painted the perimeter of each leaf, we painted the leaf itself, and then gently pressed the painted leaf onto the white posterboard, making an imprint of various colors.
Leaf painting encourages language development as your kid tries to describe the colors, the leaves and their textures, and the paint colors that they are blending on the leaves. It also teaches your kid negative and positive space. Encourage your kid to talk about the colors, textures, and all of the exciting aspects of leaf painting.
In art, the leaf on the paper is the negative space, while the paint is the positive space. Although your kid may not know what negative or positive space means verbally, they sure know it from doing – via painting. Your kid is also fine-tuning their fine motor skills as they hold the paintbrush to paint. Mixing the colors together also supports the development of fine motor skills.
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids have good fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Leaves. Take the kids on a nature walk and collect different leaves.
Paint. We use acrylic paint although non-toxic kid’s paint can also be used.
Palette. Use a palette or upcycled lid to pour the paint on.
Paint brushes. You’ll need to grab paint brushes to make this craft.
White posterboard. You’ll need white posterboard pieces to make this craft.
STEP 1: Gather different sizes of leaves. The color won’t matter as you’ll be painting over them.
STEP 2: Pour different colors of paint into a palette.
STEP 3: Place the leaves over a piece of white posterboard.
STEP 4: Use paint brushes to paint the leaves and or paint over the shape of the leaves. If you paint the leaves, be sure to use different paint colors. Once you’re done, gently press the painted leaf paint-side down on the white posterboard. Remove the leaves and let dry.
STEP 5: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Sensory Bin
Thanksgiving Popcorn Sensory Bin
Vampire Paper Plate Craft – Easy Toddler Halloween Craft
Coffee Filter Tootsie Pop Ghosts
Halloween Bloody Finger Hot Dogs
Finally, if you make this Fall Leaf Painting Craft, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this autumn kid's craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this toddler craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Halloween is imminent and I couldn’t be more excited to decorate my house and have lots of creepy crafty fun! This spooky sensory bin was super easy to create and nearly everything in it was bought at my local dollar store. When I first made this sensory bin, my then two-year-old loved this sensory bin so much. She had the best time trying on the spider rings and making noises as if she were a talking spider. The little finger dragons are also a hit with her curious, growing little brain. Encourage your little to touch all of the toys by assembling an easy-to-create invitation to play sensory bin. If you like fall kid's crafts, then you'll love my Fall Leaf Paintings Craft that is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, even older children love this easy kid's activity!
To make this Popcorn Sensory Bin, you’ll need a storage bin or box, popcorn kernels, and any variety of Halloween toys, handy scoopers, jumbo tweezers, or bowls/cups. Although all the Halloween toys are optional, you can get creative as you like! I used Halloween pumpkin cookie cutters, large plastic eyeballs, finger dragons, googly eyes, skeleton serving spoons, spider rings, spider springs, jumbo tweezers, plastic toy skulls, and toy spiders.
This is the perfect easy kid’s craft and activity at daycare, preschool, kindergarten, even older kids love it! It's so easy to make which is why this is one of my favorite (not to mention EASIEST) DIY sensory bins to make! If your toddler or preschooler loves Halloween (and we all know toddlers LOVE all holidays!), then they’ll love my Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin and Vampire Paper Plate Craft!
If you don’t have jumbo scoopers or tweezers, toss in a bowl, cup and or large spoon and watch your toddler have a blast exploring as they listen to the sounds of the popcorn falling from the cups, touch all the kernels, and enjoy tapping into their five senses. This isn’t fancy and kids don’t care about fancy so it really doesn’t need to be complicated. I tossed in a bunch of Halloween-themed toys but it’s not necessary.
Everything you see was purchased at my local dollar store with the exception of the storage bin, popcorn kernels, toy skulls, and toy spiders. Those items were bought at Walmart. I live in a very kid-friendly state (Utah) so my Dollar Tree runs out numerous, popular holiday items very quickly. I bought the last pair of skeleton serving “spoons.”
If you have older kids, have them help assemble the sensory bin for the smaller children – it’ll give you a break and it will keep them busy and entertained – what all parents want, right?!
Sensory play is beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers, even older kids! Sensory bins stimulate multiple senses at the same time – including touch, sight, smell, and sound. They also improve fine motor skills as kids dig, pinch, scoop, squeeze, and grasp objects in the sensory bins. Sensory bins promote social skills such as taking turns, teamwork, cooperation with their peers, and communication among their friends, family, and parents.
According to Salus University Health’s article, they also support cognitive development as kids can sort hidden items by size and color. Sensory bins are calming activities and provide a quite environment for children to play independently and calmly.
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids exercise their fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Storage bin. A storage bin or box is needed to make this sensory bin.
Popcorn kernels. Buy popcorn kernels for this craft.
Plastic eyeballs. Plastic eyeballs in the shape of ping pong balls make this one fun sensory activity.
Finger dragons. Dragon rings that make nose are so much fun!
Googly eyes. Googly eyes keep the Halloween themed sensory bin so exciting!
Pumpkin cookie cutters. I added pumpkin cookie cutters to make this sensory bin more enticing.
Skeleton serving spoons. Skeleton serving spoons were an added feature.
Spider rings. Spider rings add to the spooky factor.
Spider springs. Spiders on springs are fun for toddlers.
Jumbo scoopers and tweezers. We love these jumbo scoopers and tweezers best.
Plastic toy skulls. Plastic toy skulls are another added Halloween feature that all kids love (just ask mine!).
Toy spiders. Toy spiders were another fun added bonus to this sensory bin.
STEP 1: Pour the popcorn kernels into a storage bin.
STEP 2: Place the toys, bowls, cups, jumbo scoopers, or tweezers in the bin.
STEP 3: Arrange the toys and items in the sensory bin and present your invitation to play to your kids and watch them light up with excitement!
STEP 4: If you make this sensory bin, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment to help other readers!
Fall Leaf Paintings - Easy Kid's Craft
Coffee Filter Tootsie Pop Ghosts
Halloween Bloody Finger Hot Dogs
Finally, if you make this Popcorn Sensory Bin, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this sensory bin, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Halloween and the beautiful fall season are upon us and we couldn’t be more thrilled to decorate and make our own spooky preschool and kindergarten arts and crafts! If you’re in need of a cheap, fun, and easy toddler or smaller kid fine motor craft, then this fun Halloween vampire paper plate craft may be just what you’re looking for. It’s perfect for daycare, in preschool, kindergarten, homeschool, and even for elementary school children and it allows children to use their fine motor skills as they paint, cut, and draw these spooktacular vampire faces! If you like Halloween activities, then you'll love my Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree Craft, Fall Leaf Painting Craft, Dollar Store Popcorn Sensory Bin and Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin!
My five-year-old LOVES all holidays and especially Halloween (like all toddlers, right?!), so we decorated our front yard tonight and as the years go on, we buy more and more Halloween decorations so of course my daughter is absolutely thrilled! She’s having a blast playing with all my fake pumpkins, ghosts, bats, creepy dolls, and skeleton decorations. I figured why not start the Halloween crafts because my girl LOVES painting and Vampirina, the vampire from the Disney television show, Vampirina!
I love paper plate crafts. They’re inexpensive and the supplies can most likely all be purchased at your local dollar store. If you have toddlers or young kids, you likely have some type of paint in your house. I always have a lot of acrylic and non-toxic washable kid’s paint. Break out the paint brushes and let the kids use their fine motor skills to paint and express their creative mind! My daughter could not get over how excited she was to “paint Vampirina!”
Toddlers and adults enjoy painting as it’s calming, fun, and a fantastic way to get the creative juices flowing. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable activity for many people, including my five-year-old. She and I paint often because we both enjoy it and she requests it. We first made this Halloween craft when she was three and at five years old, she's still loving it equally as much as she did two years ago.
To make my super easy Vampire Paper Plate Crafts, you’ll need paper plates, paint brushes, paint, a pencil, black construction paper, a glue stick, white paper, a black marker, and tape or a stapler.
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. As toddlers and young kids exercise their fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Paper plates. Grab as many paper plates as you wish to make these vampire paper plate crafts. You’ll need two paper plates to make one vampire.
Palette. You'll need a palette or an upcycled lid to pour your paints on.
Paint brush. You’ll need paint brushes to make this craft.
Paint. We use acrylic paint; non-toxic paint will also work.
Pencil. A pencil is needed to trace on black construction paper.
Black construction paper. Black construction paper is needed to make this craft.
Glue stick. I always use glue sticks when it’s paper on paper like this craft as they are plenty strong.
White paper. White paper is needed to make this craft.
Scissors. If the kids are cutting (and you know they LOVE to help!), opt for kid-friendly scissors.
Black marker. You can use a black marker such as a Sharpie marker or, alternatively, you can use black paint.
Tape. Scotch tape or a stapler is needed to stick the paper plate pieces together.
STEP 1: Use a paint brush to paint the paper plate and let it dry.
STEP 2: Use a pencil to draw the hair on black paper, then cut the hair out. Use a glue stick to stick it to the paper plate.
STEP 3: Draw one eyeball on the white paper. Trace it and cut it, along with the other eyeball so you will have two eyes of the same size. Let the kids cut them for a fun fine motor skills activity! Not only is it beneficial for toddlers to cut using scissors, but they LOVE helping!
STEP 4: Use a black marker to color in the insides of the eyes. Alternatively, you can paint them.
STEP 5: Use a glue stick to glue the eyes on the plate. When it comes to gluing paper on paper, glue sticks are what I always use.
STEP 6: Take the second paper plate and cut it into quarters. Paint one quarter the same color as the vampire face; these will be the ears. Once the paint dries, cut the quarter into 2 pointy vampire ears. Use tape or a stapler to stick the ears on the back of the vampire head. If you’re making more than one, use the other three quarters to paint different colors.
STEP 7: Use the black marker to draw a nose and mouth.
STEP 8: Use scissors to cut two small pieces of triangles on the white paper. Use a glue stick to stick them on the mouth as fangs.
STEP 9: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Fall Leaf Painting Craft - Easy Preschool Fine Motor Activity
Fall Potato Stamp Leaf Tree Craft - Easy Toddler Activity
Creepy DIY Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin
Popcorn Sensory Bin (Halloween)
Coffee Filter Tootsie Pop Ghosts
Halloween Bloody Finger Hot Dogs
Finally, if you make this Vampire Paper Plate Craft, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Toddlers and kids LOVE all holidays and fall is the best time of year to kickoff all the fun holidays! Easy DIY sensory bins like this are so simple and quick to make and your kids will enjoy using their fine motor skills to grab the “brains” by the tongs, while exploring the rest of the spooky Halloween sensory bin! If your kid is anything like my two-year-old, then they will want to constantly play with the slimy spaghetti. If you like easy DIY sensory bins, then you will love my Halloween Popcorn Dollar Tree Sensory Bin, Edible Kinetic Sand, St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Sensory Bin, and ABC Rainbow Sensory Bin crafts! If you like easy preschool fall crafts that cost next to nothing, then you'll love my Fall Leaf Paintings toddler craft!
Sensory activities help build nerve connections in a growing child’s brain; they also encourage fine motor skills development. The first three years of life are the time when a baby’s brain grows rapidly. When a child is allowed to use multiple senses concurrently, they will learn more, and will retain more information.
I first made this for my then two-year-old who is now five and she still loves squeezing the squishy and gooey spaghetti as much as she did three years ago (these photos were taken when she was two-years-old)! While my toddler is squishing, scraping, and prodding her way through this creepy Halloween sensory bin, I’m also enjoying playing with it and as an adult, I’m also reaping the benefits of sensory play. Enabling problem solving, discovery, and exploration are rather beneficial to everyone’s brain, but especially young kids’ brains. Feel the squishiness and hear the sounds as their little brains absorb all five senses as they get to play. If your kid loves using their fine motor skills, then they will love my easy Vampire Paper Plate Craft!
My Creepy Halloween Spaghetti Sensory Bin is the perfect easy fall kid's activity and contains a storage bin, spaghetti noodles, food coloring, canola oil, large zip top freezer bags, and plastic Halloween toys, and is the perfect fall kid’s activity for those in daycare, preschool, homeschool preschool, kindergarten, and even for moms like me who want to make their kids a an unforgettable Halloween exploratory invitation to play!
Sensory play is beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers, even older kids! Sensory bins stimulate multiple senses at the same time – including touch, sight, smell, and sound. They also improve fine motor skills as kids dig, scoop, squeeze, and grasp objects in the sensory bins. Sensory bins promote social skills such as taking turns, teamwork, cooperation with their peers, and communication among their friends, family, and parents.
According to Salus University Health’s article, they also support cognitive development as kids can sort hidden items by size and color. Sensory bins are calming activities and provide a quite environment for children to play independently and calmly.
Fine motor skills are imperative in life and toddlers should be constantly practicing fine motor skills daily to prepare them to do things later in life such as buttoning a button, tying their shoes, and writing their name. Fine motor skills enable children to develop their independence as they learn how to eat, speak, create, and are able to do many more things as these skills improve.
According to Early Impact Learning’s article, hand-eye coordination is another fine motor skill that develops from when we are babies into adulthood. When kids interact with fine motor activities, they are continually improving the link between what their eyes see and what they are trying to hold or touch.
One of the biggest reasons fine motor skills are so important is that they allow us to be independent. When kids use fine motor skills, their self esteem improves as they are proud after building a tall tower of blocks by using the small muscles in their hands and fingers to make beautiful masterpieces they can take pride in.
Painting, sewing, threading, and weaving are fantastic ways for kids to use their fine motor skills. Many art and craft activities involve fine motor skills which allows toddlers and kids to express their creativity as they practice doing things independently.
Spaghetti noodles. Spaghetti noodles make up the squishy “brains.”
Food coloring. Food coloring adds different colors to the noodles.
Canola oil. Canola oil is needed to help
Large freezer bags. Large zip top freezer bags are needed to make this craft.
Halloween toys. You can use any variety of Halloween toys.
Storage bin. We like this storage bin.
STEP 1: Make spaghetti in a large pot as you normally would for dinner. When the water starts boiling, add the noodles. Only cook for a couple of minutes. You don’t want the noodles to be as tender and bendable as they are when you eat them. You want them to be a little stiff, but still bendable as they will be touched and played with. I cooked my spaghetti noodles for only 3 minutes.
STEP 2: Using a strainer, pour cold water over the noodles. Add a splash of canola oil so that they easily slide through playful hands.
STEP 3: Add a portion of the noodles to a large zip top freezer bag and add your food coloring; mix well until thoroughly coated with color. Continue with the remaining noodles.
STEP 4: Place the noodles in your bin or in a baking sheet to dry a bit.
STEP 5: As long as the noodles dry out for an hour or so, they will not stain anyone’s hands. I left mine out for 1.5 hours and they made no mess at all on anyone’s hands.
After the noodles are in the sensory bin or baking sheet, add creepy Halloween toys. We used a couple of spider rings that came with our spider web decorations. We also used big black plastic spiders and little skulls, both from Walmart. I highly recommend buying any toys at your local dollar store to save money. I gave my toddler a pair of tongs so she could use her fine motor skills by picking up the noodles.
STEP 6: If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Only cook the spaghetti noodles for a couple minutes as they need to be somewhat tough to handle all the playing. If you cook them per the package instructions, you will overcook them and they will easily fall apart when played with. I cooked my noodles for only 3 minutes and my sensory bin came out great.
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Finally, if you make this creepy Halloween spaghetti sensory bin, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your sensory bin photos!
