4th of July Crafts for Kids with Special Needs

by Stephanie Arbetter

With those summer days inching along, it is easy to run out of ways to keep kids busy. If your children are tired of sidewalk chalk, then perhaps some arts and 4th of July crafts are just what they need!

The following two crafts are courtesy of the staff at Block Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Block Institute is an educational facility in New York City dedicated to providing services to children and adults with special needs ranging from global development delays to cerebral palsy and many other conditions.

The two crafts below were specifically thought of for children with special needs, but most any child will find these fun 4th of July crafts enjoyable!

Straw Painting

Materials

  • red, white and blue tempera paint
  • large construction paper
  • straws
  • water
  • paper towels for clean up

Directions:

Place construction paper on ground outside. Pour paint into small dishes. Put end of straw into paint, then hold straw over paper and blow paint. Allow to dry before hanging

Skills Addressed:

  • Increased attention and focus to task
  • Following step by step directions
  • Making choices
  • Color recognition and identification
  • Oral motor skill development
  • Perceptual motor skill development
  • Increased art appreciation
  • Development of positive self esteem through success of completing project.

 

Chalk Shadow Drawing

Materials:

  • red, white and blue chalk
  • Hose connected to water supply
  • A sunny day
  • Paper towel towels for clean up

Directions:

Show child their shadow on the ground on a sunny day. Have child trace outline of your shadow and fill in body spaces. Use sprinkler or hose to wash off sidewalk when finished.

Skills Addressed:

  • Increased awareness of self and body parts
  • Recognition and identification of body parts
  • Receptive and expressive language skill development
  • Concept of shadow
  • improves focus attention to task
  • Sensory motor skill development
  • Perceptual Motor skill development
  • Eye-hand coordination
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