Ingredients
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Colored paper in Halloween shades
- Child-safe scissors
- Pencil and eraser
- Crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers
- Craft glue or glue sticks
- Googly eyes
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Paper plates, cups, or cardboard tubes
- Cotton balls or tissue paper
- String, ribbon, or yarn
- Craft sticks
- Foam sheets
- Stickers and glitter, if desired
- A ruler for measuring
- Newspaper or a protective table covering
Instructions
- Choose the craft or crafts you want to make. Review the available materials and select projects that suit the children’s ages and attention spans.
- Prepare the workspace. Cover the table and place the supplies within easy reach. Separate small pieces into containers or paper cups.
- Draw the basic shapes. Use a pencil to sketch pumpkins, ghosts, bats, spiders, monsters, or other Halloween forms before cutting. Simple outlines are easiest for younger children to follow.
- Cut out the main pieces. Carefully cut along the drawn lines. Adults should assist children who are not yet comfortable using scissors.
- Add color and texture. Decorate the pieces with crayons, markers, paint, tissue paper, or colored paper. Allow painted pieces to dry before continuing.
- Create facial features. Add eyes, mouths, noses, teeth, or expressions with markers, paper cutouts, or googly eyes. Encourage children to make each character different.
- Assemble the craft. Glue the pieces together according to the chosen design. Press each piece firmly for several seconds so it adheres well.
- Add hanging or display details. Attach string, ribbon, or a craft stick when the project is intended to hang or stand. Let the glue dry completely before moving it.
- Finish and display. Check that all pieces are secure, clean away excess glue, and place the finished crafts on a wall, window, shelf, classroom board, or party table.
Notes
Do not rush the drying stage. Moving a project too soon is one of the most common reasons decorations fall apart.
