Squirrel Craft Ideas for Preschoolers
Squirrels are an iconic symbol of the outdoors and the natural world, and they can provide hours of fun when used as part of an educational craft project. Preschoolers will love the chance to get creative and make something special with their own hands. Whether it’s a papercraft project of a clay figurine, there are plenty of squirrel craft ideas that will keep young minds occupied. Here are some easy ideas to get you started.
Papercraft Projects
Papercraft projects are a great way to introduce preschoolers to the basics of crafting. All you need is some paper, scissors, glue and a little imagination. Start off with a simple paper bag squirrel puppet. Cut a paper bag into the shape of a squirrel, with ears and a tail. Let your preschooler draw a face on the puppet and then glue on some cotton wool for the fur. You could even have a go at making a paper plate squirrel mask. Cut out two circles from a paper plate and draw a squirrel face on one of them. Punch two holes in the side and attach some string to make the straps. Let your preschooler decorate the mask with markers or googly eyes.
Clay Figurines
Clay is a great material for preschoolers to use in crafting and it’s easy to shape into a variety of animals, including squirrels. Start off by rolling the clay into a ball and then flatten it into a disc. Make two ears from the disc and then use the remaining clay to form the main body. Use the end of the paintbrush to make the eyes and the tail. You could even try making a 3D squirrel by rolling the clay into a sausage shape and then rolling it in a spiral. Add eyes, a nose and some whiskers and you have a cute little squirrel. Let the clay dry overnight and then your preschooler can paint it any colour they like.
Stained Glass Artwork
This is a craft project that is a bit more involved but still suitable for preschoolers. You will need some black card, coloured cellophane, glue and scissors. Start off by drawing a simple outline of a squirrel on the black card. Cut out the shape and then use small pieces of cellophane to fill in the outline. A good idea is to stick to one colour or alternate between two or three. Once the outline is filled in, glue the cellophane in place. Hang the squirrel in a window and the light will shine through it, creating a beautiful stained glass effect.
Pom Pom Crafts
Pom poms are a great way to make a variety of animals, including squirrels. Start off by making the body and tail by combining two small pom poms. Glue the two together and then glue on some googly eyes and a nose. To make the ears, cut a length of brown yarn and tie it around one of the pom poms. Cut off the excess yarn and then glue on some eyes and a nose. Let your preschooler decorate the squirrel with markers or glitter. You could even make a whole family of squirrels.
Squirrel craft ideas are a great way to keep preschoolers entertained and help them learn how to be creative. Whether it’s papercrafts, clay figurines or pom pom crafts, they can make something special with their own hands. With a little patience and a lot of imagination, your preschooler can create a unique squirrel craft that they can be proud of for years to come.
