Earth Day Crafts for Kids
Simple Creations Made from Recycled and Natural Materials
Show kids how to treasure the earth by making birdfeeders, gift cards and rain sticks from natural materials and recycled objects.
The celebration of Earth Day on April 22 is becoming more important every spring and it is a great opportunity to educate children on the impact they have on their environment. This year, help emphasize the role kids can play in protecting the earth by making crafts from nature or using recycled materials for their creations.
Detergent Bottle Birdfeeder
Whether for the back yard or a public trail these functional birdfeeders are great to do as a group project. Wash out an empty plastic detergent bottle and draw a large opening on both sides of the jug, keeping the handle side and spout side intact. Cut out the openings using a sharp utility knife and make sure the openings go to about two inches above the bottom of the jug creating an edge for the bird seed. Poke some holes in the bottom of the jug for water drainage using a nail. Attach the bird feeder to the top of a fence post or set on top of a tree stump, and fill with mixed birdseed. Chickadees like these feeders as they provide shelter and protect the seed from the elements.
Bark Rubbing Gift Tag
Take a number of peeled crayons and brown paper bags on a walk in the woods. Let the kids make bark rubbings by placing the paper bags directly onto the bark and rubbing them with the side of a crayon. The raised textured of the bark should appear in the crayon markings. To make gift tags, cut the bark rubbings into two inch squares. Glue the squares onto two pieces of 3 inch square box board that have been glued back to back to cover up their graphics. Using raffia, attach the gift tags to Mother’s Day or Father’s Day presents, or make a number of the gift tags to give as a present to someone on Earth Day.
Paper Towel Roll Rain Stick
Great for a rainforest theme, these rain sticks also make unique shakers that are easy for preschoolers to make. Cover one end of empty paper towel rolls with masking tape, making sure the whole end is covered. Pour about one tablespoon of rice into the tube and cover the other end with masking tape. Let the kids paint the paper towel roll rain stick and decorate it with the odds and ends of crafts supplies. For a musical instrument theme, use toilet paper rolls for a smaller version of the shaker.
Crafts made from nature and using recycled materials create teachable moments to talk to kids about the fundamentals of preserving our environment. Even while being creative, children can be taught how to reduce, reuse and recycle.
