13 Fantastically Fun Crafts with Books to Match
13 Fantastically Fun Crafts with Books to Match
Hi there! This is Emily, the editor of AllFreeKidsCrafts.com, writing to you from my cozy nook of children’s books (seriously, I have quite a few on my desk!). As the editor of a kids’ craft resource, I spend a lot of time checking out fun and easy crafts for kids, but the crafts with an educational twist are always my favorite. I was always a big reader as a child—a big crafter, too— so children’s books that lend themselves to creative, hands-on activities have a special place in my heart.
Many years ago, I was part of a peer reading program that visited elementary schools. We sat with children during their reading time and had a private and relaxed lesson, working to boost their confidence while reading aloud and identifying where they struggled in their reading. We arrived at each session with a few simple activities to make our one-on-one reading time entertaining (and sneak in some extra learning in the process!). Sometimes our little “extras” were just a batch of questions, such as:
- What new words did you learn from this book?
- What’s another word for _____?
- How many words can you think of that rhyme with _____?
Plus other questions that were very similar to The Curriculum Corner’s reading response prompts. I also tried to bring in some fun, laughter-inducing questions like:
- Do you think you and the main character would be friends if you met them?
- Where in the world does this book take place? Would you travel there?
- How would the story be different if we read it in reverse?
After my peer mentoring experience, I firmly believe that giving children to explore literature through more creative outlets is incredibly important in their education. Crafting is a fairly unrestricted process, which I think is a great way to refresh a child’s mind after more structure learning experiences. Plus, providing children with art projects or interactive play gives them the chance to relate to literature in their own personal way.
The list of quality children’s books is practically endless, but I’ve chosen to showcase crafts from my favorite classics that kids are sure to love. Below you’ll find a few projects from AllFreeKidsCrafts, a few ideas from The Curriculum Corner, and some bonus projects from a few of my crafty friends around the web. Take a look, and don’t forget to grab some of The Curriculum Corner’s fiction mini-lessons to use while you read with your little ones!
Read: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Make:
- Felt Caterpillar Play Kit
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Balloon Painting
- Simple Pasta Caterpillar Necklace
You will find a complete writing workshop unit of study on Eric Carle here: Eric Carle Unit of Study.
Read: Goodnight Moon
Make:
Read: The Rainbow Fish
Make:
PS: The Curriculum Corner has even more great ideas for this book!
Read: Where the Wild Things Are
Make:
And, yes, I know it’s not exactly a classic, but I couldn’t resist throwing Elmer the Elephant on this list!
Read: Elmer the Elephant
Make:
How do you inspire your little ones to love reading? Share a comment below!
CS
Monday 26th of February 2018
I am introducing the reading nook for our K3 - 2nd graders. Once a month on a Saturday, I will share a book with the students and a craft following each book Please email me ideas for crafts and snacks related to the children books. Thanks.
Jill & Cathy
Friday 9th of March 2018
Hello! Although we occasionally add ideas for snacks or crafts within our posts, we typically focus on the resources. This guest post had lots of great ideas and we are sure if you do a search you will find lots more! Good luck!