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Winter is a time of cold and damp for most places. It some places, such as Canada and the Northern United States temperatures are -20 below and it is no place for children to be outside for extended periods. It is best if the students have something to do and most will only read so much. Using their hands as well as their minds is the best solution, so try craft ideas to keep them busy.

Clay is a good idea and can be used to create a wide range of options. The "dirt" makes most children happy, is safe, and can be made into many ornamental as well as useful items. Since it is winter, have them make clay "snowmen" or try their hand at reindeer or moose.. Even something as simple as a clay sleigh can keep them occupied for hours as they perfect the details by sharpening the runners or graining the wooden planks. They can also make pots, bowls, and even drinking cups, free hand or with a wheel. The nice thing about clay is that if you fire it, it cuts now on your heating bills and is nice on a chilly winter day, unlike in the heat of summer.

Winter is also an excellent time to try teaching origami to students. The class can become fidgety and having paper to play with keeps their hands busy. They can learn to make whatever they like, but since it is winter suggest something such as Polar Bears or Penguins. They can also fold up a large piece of paper and use it as an iceberg! Have the students look up the creatures of winter and then try to make them. Origami is inexpensive, teaches the students how to follow direction, develop spacial orientation and is entertaining. Clean up is really simple!

After the origami, recycle the paper by shredding it and then start a papermache project ! Blow up balloons and then glue on the paper and make pinatas or even a paper piggy bank. It can take hours of layering and then they get to paint. The paper will dry quickly in the cold dry air common in winter, even faster than in summer. Give it a try.

Winter crafts are fun and exciting, but don't need to be complicated or expensive. Try these and see what happens, it should happen to be a lot of winter fun!

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
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