Christmas Craft Ideas For Middle School Students
Introduction
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by creating some Christmas crafts with your middle school students? Not only is it a fun and engaging activity that can help to build creativity and develop fine motor skills, but it also provides an opportunity to make some unique and personalized decorations for your classroom or home. Here are some Christmas craft ideas that are perfect for middle school students.
1. DIY Snow Globe
A snow globe is a classic Christmas decoration that is surprisingly easy to make. All you need is a small glass jar with a lid, some glitter, a small figurine or decoration, and some water. Simply glue the decoration onto the inside of the lid, fill the jar with water and glitter, and screw the lid on tightly. Your students can personalize their snow globes by choosing their own figurine or decoration, and by adding different colors of glitter.
2. Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are a classic Christmas craft that never goes out of style. All you need is some white paper, scissors, and a little bit of patience. You can teach your students how to fold the paper into a snowflake shape, and then let them cut out their own unique designs. Hang the snowflakes from the ceiling or on the windows for a festive touch.
3. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough is a simple and inexpensive material that can be used to make a variety of Christmas decorations. All you need is flour, salt, and water, which can be mixed together to form a dough. Your students can use cookie cutters or their own creativity to shape the dough into ornaments, which can then be baked in the oven and painted or decorated when they are dry.
4. Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees
Popsicle sticks are a versatile craft material that can be used to make a variety of Christmas decorations. For this project, your students can paint the sticks green and glue them together in a triangle shape to create a Christmas tree. They can then decorate the tree with sequins, beads, or other small decorations.
5. Reindeer Handprint Art
This project is a great way to create a personalized Christmas decoration that parents will love. Have your students dip their hands in brown paint and press them onto a piece of paper to create the reindeer's head. They can then add antlers, eyes, and a red nose with paint or markers to complete the design.
6. Felt Christmas Stockings
Felt is a great material for crafting because it is easy to work with and comes in a variety of colors. For this project, your students can cut out a stocking shape from red or green felt, and then decorate it with felt cutouts of Christmas trees, snowflakes, or other festive designs. The stockings can be hung on the wall or from the mantle for a cozy touch.
7. Beaded Candy Canes
This project is a great way to work on fine motor skills while creating a fun and festive decoration. Your students can use red and white beads to create a candy cane pattern, which can then be glued onto a piece of cardboard or paper to make a Christmas card or decoration.
8. Mason Jar Snow Globes
If you want to take the DIY snow globe project to the next level, consider using a mason jar instead of a small glass jar. Your students can fill the jar with fake snow, a small decoration, and water, and then add a battery-operated tea light to create a snow globe that doubles as a festive decoration.
9. Christmas Wreaths
A Christmas wreath is a classic decoration that can be made using a variety of materials. Your students can use green construction paper or tissue paper to create a wreath shape, and then decorate it with bows, sequins, or other small decorations. Alternatively, they can use real evergreen branches and decorate the wreath with pine cones, berries, or other natural materials.
10. Gingerbread House
A gingerbread house is a festive and delicious Christmas decoration that your students can make using graham crackers, frosting, and candy. You can provide a template for the house shape, or let your students get creative and design their own. This project can be a little messy, but it's a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Conclusion
These Christmas craft ideas are just the beginning – there are countless ways to get creative and festive during the holiday season. By providing your middle school students with opportunities to make their own decorations and gifts, you can help to build their creativity and confidence while also adding a personal touch to your classroom or home. Happy crafting!