ALL PROJECTS HAVE BEEN KID-TESTED to ensure that they are appealing and can be done successfully. Most projects can be completed in 30 minutes or less, and each has been designed to spark your child's creativity, imagination, and curiosity. Colorful step-by-step photographs and a complete list of materials guide you and your child through each project.
ALL PROJECTS HAVE BEEN REVIEWED BY EDUCATORS AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS. You may ask yourself, is my child old enough to do this craft? We did not indicate a skill or an age level for these projects; we want you and your child's interests and skills to determine the crafts you want to make. As your child's skills develop, you can try those projects that appear to be more difficult.
ALL RECIPES HAVE BEEN TESTED IN THE BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS¨ TEST KITCHEN. We have included RECOMMENDED READINGS and "DID YOU KNOW..." fast facts to help you carry on further discussions about the main project theme.
We have provided STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS, along with additional project tips or recipes, and printable ACTIVITY SHEETS-- such as word searches, coloring pages, mazes, connect-the-dots, crossword puzzles, and others.
SAFETY and CLEANUP TIPS
Because we developed these projects for a wide range of children's abilities and ages, you will need to determine exactly how to supervise your child for each project. In some projects that need an oven, stovetop, or knife, we have specifically asked that the child do that step "with adult help."
Be sure to use only nontoxic glue, paints, or markers. Look for the ACMI (Art & Craft Materials Institute) seals on these packages. The two seals are circles that include the words CP NONTOXIC or AP NONTOXIC. Both indicate that the materials are tested and found to be nontoxic to adults and children -- even if the products are misused. The CP (certified product) signifies that the item meets specific requirements for ingredients, color, and other qualities. AP (approved product) is used where ingredient certification isn't necessary. The ACMI certifies that art materials meet federal standards for proper labeling.
Use scissors with blunt tips. When craft supplies include a knife, an ordinary table knife should be sufficient and safer. If the craft requires a sharper knife or crafts knife, it is specifically requested. When a project calls for ribbon, yarn, or string, cut the specified length and put the extra material away in a safe place. Supervise carefully if the ribbon is long enough to get wrapped around a child's neck.
Take extra care at all times with the use of pointed materials -- such as pencils, toothpicks, or pins -- and breakable dishes or glasses. If you let children tear off waxed paper or foil, caution them about the sharp, serrated tearing strip on the box.
Tell children to use hot pads when they remove a baking sheet from the oven. Warn them that the pan stays hot for a short while after it leaves the oven. When children are painting, let them use cotton swabs instead of paintbrushes. When they finish their masterpieces, just throw the cotton swabs away.
Save old newspapers and spread them out over the childrenΓÇÖs work area. Keep papers from sliding by taping them to the work surface with masking tape.
