Mini Suitcase Craft
Traveling is all about the adventure, so how can we bring that sense of adventure to our little ones? Let’s start with a Mini Suitcase Craft.
Gather the following materials:
- Empty tissue box
- Colored paper
- Stickers
- Markers
Instructions:
- Wrap the tissue box in colored paper
- Let your child decorate it with stickers and markers
- Add a handle using pipe cleaners
They’ll love packing their tiny treasures inside!
This craft taps into their imagination and teaches basic travel concepts. It’s also a great way to talk about different travel destinations. One parent even made a mini suitcase for their child to pack and unpack multiple times before their first actual trip. A fun way to prep for any journey!
DIY Passport Activity
Next up, the DIY Passport Activity. Create a simple booklet using plain paper folded in half and stapled. You can print out some basic passport stamps or draw them yourself. Let your preschooler color the stamps and ‘stamp’ each country you ‘visit’ through books, shows, or even food experiences. This activity not only hones their artistic skills but also sparks a love for geography. One mom mentioned her preschooler proudly showing off their stamped passport to anyone who would listen. It’s a priceless, educational keepsake.
Map Puzzle Challenge
For the little puzzle lovers, the Map Puzzle Challenge is a hit! Print a simple map of the world and glue it onto a cardboard sheet. Cut the map into large pieces and let the kids piece it back together. This activity aids in developing problem-solving skills and geographical awareness. Plus, it’s an easy setup for parents. Picture a little one’s triumph holding up the ‘world’ they pieced together themselves! It’s not only educational but also a moment of celebration.
Travel-themed Story Stones
Story stones are another imaginative craft. Travel-themed Story Stones can bring endless storytelling possibilities. Collect some flat stones and paint them with images of different travel items like a suitcase, airplane, or famous landmarks. Once dry, use these stones to create travel stories together. This not only fuels their creativity but also enriches their vocabulary.
I recall one parent sharing how their child created a whole adventure involving a stone representing the Eiffel Tower and another as a hot air balloon. The results? Creative storytelling and hours of fun.
Paper Plate Airplanes
Finally, we have the Paper Plate Airplanes. Grab some paper plates, paint, and markers. Cut one plate in half for the wings and glue it to an intact plate. Let your child color their airplane however they like. This craft is simple yet thrilling for preschoolers. They love ‘flying’ their homemade airplanes around the house. One child in our group used stickers to decorate theirs, turning it into a colorful masterpiece. It’s a craft that’s easy to do, yet offers endless pretend play opportunities.