Kids Summer Craft Kit

True confessions time. Remember that fancy schedule that I made up with all kinds of outings? Well, it hasn’t really seen the light of day. We’ve been happy to be at home most of our days and have ventured out in the afternoons or weekends with FishPapa.

We’ve still done quite a few of the things we planned, but not the way I had planned on them.

For the most part, the kids, the FishBoys in particular, have been really pleased to occupy themselves. They have a list of chores that needs to get done first and then they have free time. They’ve  read books, played outside, shot dart guns, played video games, and done the Lego/Playmobil thing. I think that the break from our school routine coupled with freedom to go where the whim moved them has been good for everybody.

Things were going along quite swimmingly. Until last week when I heard someone say, “I’m bored.”

Interesting. I wasn’t too worried about it, though. Since we haven’t even scratched the surface of all the things we could do in the last few weeks of vacation.

Last night I broke out a Kids Summer Craft Kit that I had waiting in the wings. If you already have a box of Kids Craft Supplies, summer is the time to beef it up!

Over the last few months I’ve collected activity books that we already had on our shelves as well a magazines to cut up as well as craft supplies. I corralled them in one big box, waiting for the dreaded sigh, “I’m bored.”

Last night the four younger ones had a great time making collages — well, three of them did, anyway. I handed them scissors, magazines, paper, and glue, as well as old file folders to decorate. One of the easiest crafts we could have done. I stood by to help cut and just talk. They were so absorbed in their projects. It was great fun to watch.

Here’s FishBoy6 to tell you about it. Talk about real life at the FishHouse, complete with whining toddler. But, this little man — oh my! Be still, my heart. He is a hoot!

(To see the video embedded in this post, click here.)

What to Include:

• scissors (and adult supervision as needed)
• glue sticks
• crayons or colored pencils
• old magazines you don’t care about
• construction or craft paper
• envelopes and stationery for letter writing – I also included in our kit a folder containing the letters from the child we sponsor through Compassion International. In this way, we can create cards and letters for Joseph while we’re crafting other things.
• art and craft books – I love almost everything that Williamson Publishing makes, such as Art Starts for Little Hands and Making Amazing Art
• activity books – These may or may not include crafts, but they are full of activities for kids to explore. Some good ones include: The Little Hands Nature Book, Gizmos and Gadgets, Science Play, and Great Games
• logic, mystery and thinking books – These are better suited for older kids who may not be into “little crafts.” Some to

Note to self: do this more often with the kids.