Tractor Popsicle Stick Craft for Preschoolers
Tractor Popsicle Stick Craft for Kids: Easy, Simple and Fun
Old McDonald had a farm - E I E I O! My kids are farm animal and farm obsessed. Naturally the tractor obsession and farm theme has hit an all-time high and does not seem to be slowing down. I wanted to get creative and find a way to keep these tractor craft loving boys entertained so we created a tractor popsicle stick craft and it was a huge hit.
These Tractor inspired popsicle stick crafts are perfect for any farm themed crafting or art time for kids of all ages. Create the tractor popsicle craft and then use for farm inspired play all day long at home and at school. This fun craft project is great for tractor lovers! Happy crafting!
Tractor Popsicle Stick Craft for Preschoolers
Why are popsicle stick crafts so much fun for preschoolers?
Popsicle crafts are so much fun for preschoolers because they are easy to manipulate even with small fingers and hands. Typically, popsicle stick crafts are simple and easy to follow for younger children, requiring fewer steps and time. Preschoolers can handle the gluing and cutting involved with most popsicle stick crafts and it helps them practice motor skills that are so important in kindergarten.
How old should my child be to try a popsicle stick craft?
There is no right or wrong answer on how old your child should be when you try a popsicle stick craft for the first time. You will know the child or student best. Think about their attention span and ability to pay attention to detail and follow directions. For younger children you can put the craft together and allow them to add the details such as wheels for this tractor popsicle craft. Make sure that if you are allowing a toddler to participate that they are not putting small art supply and craft pieces in their mouth.
How often should I do arts and crafts with my preschooler?
Whenever you or the child wants. At our house we have a art area that our children can access any time they want. I find that it being accessible and on their eye level entices them to engage in art and craft time far more often than if its directed by parents. Think about the time of day your child would do best with an activity with steps. Do not force art and crafts with your child. They will be far more engaged if its on their own terms. Having the craft ready to pull out when they seem interested is great. Sometimes your preschooler may need to take breaks or finish in multiple days. Arts and crafts should be fun. They try to resist the urge to instruct them to do a certain way.
Popsicle stick crafts are fun for kids for several reasons:
Creativity: Popsicle sticks are a versatile crafting material, and kids can use them to create a wide range of objects, from animals and vehicles to buildings and more. This allows children to express their creativity and imagination by coming up with their own designs.
Fine Motor Skills: Crafting with popsicle sticks involves cutting, gluing, painting, and arranging sticks, all of which help develop fine motor skills in children. These activities enhance their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. These simple crafts are great for younger kids to assist with!
Hands-On Learning: Popsicle stick crafts offer hands-on learning experiences. Children learn about shapes, patterns, and how different pieces can be assembled to create a whole object. They also learn about trial and error and problem-solving as they figure out how to make their creations come to life.
Sensory Exploration: Painting the sticks and using various craft supplies such as googly eyes, feathers, and beads can engage children's senses and help them explore different textures, colors, and materials.
Thematic and Educational Crafts: Popsicle stick crafts can be adapted to various themes or educational topics. You can use them to teach kids about seasons, holidays, animals, history, or science in a fun and engaging way. For example, you can create a popsicle stick solar system to teach about space.
Pride in Accomplishment: Completing a popsicle stick craft project gives children a sense of accomplishment. They can display their creations or give them as gifts to family and friends, boosting their self-esteem.
Bonding Time: Crafting with popsicle sticks is an excellent opportunity for bonding between children and parents, grandparents, or caregivers. It encourages conversation, collaboration, and shared creativity.
Low-Cost Crafting: Popsicle sticks are inexpensive and readily available, making them an affordable option for crafting. This allows children to explore their creative side without breaking the bank.
Recycling and Sustainability: Reusing popsicle sticks promotes environmental awareness and recycling. It teaches kids about repurposing materials and being eco-friendly.
Endless Possibilities: Popsicle sticks can be used in numerous ways. Whether you're making puppets, photo frames, ornaments, or something entirely unique, the possibilities for creative projects are endless.
In summary, popsicle stick crafts provide a fun and educational way for children to develop their creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities while engaging their senses and promoting a sense of accomplishment. These activities are a great addition to any child's playtime or learning experience.
Tractor Popsicle Stick Simple Craft Supplies
7 green popsicle sticks / Jumbo craft sticks are great way to include toddlers
1 large yellow button
1 small yellow button
Glue / hot glue gun / craft glue
Scissors
If you are setting up this perfect craft for younger children, having all of the items laid out and ready on a paper plate.
The buttons do not have to be yellow, if you have a stash of buttons on hand. Black buttons would also be great for small wheels.
Tractor Popsicle Craft Instructions:
Cut one green craft stick in half and set one half aside. Cut the ends off two other craft sticks. Build the top of the tractor by placing the half stick on top of the two other sticks and gluing it in place.
2. Glue the remaining four popsicle sticks on the bottom half of the two sticks, stacking each stick on top of the other to make the tractor’s body.
3. Glue the large yellow button at the back of the tractor and the small yellow button on the front of the tractor.
If you want to add a magnet on the back, this popsicle tractor craft makes a super cute and great refrigerator magnet.
Homeschool Tractor & Transportation Theme Unit Play Ideas
The lesson play options are limitless for turning this preschool farm tractor craft into an engaging homeschool activity and unit.
Sing Old McDonald
Check out books about farm animals and farms
Watch tractor videos on YouTube
Grab any animal figurines you have on hand to make your own farm at home.
Create an indoor / outdoor sensory play by making mud and letting the animals get dirty.
Then grab some soap and water and let your preschooler wash the farm animals off.
Talk about what tasks a farmer has to do on a farm every day.
Visit a local farm and tour it and feed animals.
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Farm Toys that are a huge hit and great gift for kids and family members:
1. Fisher-Price Farm Set - Interactive electronic farm playset with 45+ songs, sounds, and phrases for toddlers and preschool kids ages 1-5 years. Press the barn door button or drop figures through the hayloft for songs, sounds and phrases. Turn on the barn light, “hatch” the chicks, and “pop” the corn in the spinning silo. Playset comes with 1 farmer figure, 4 animal figures, and 2 food play pieces.
2. Die-Cast Farm Toys John Deere - This farm playset comes with a total of 70 pieces that kids and collectors will love, including tractors, trucks, farm tools, farm animal toys, and more. Toys in this collection are made from high quality die-cast metal or durable plastic to keep playtime going day after day. Store and hide your farm animal toys within the John Deere toy shed, with a removable rooftop and doors that open for easy access.
3. LEGO Technic John Deere - LEGO Technic John Deere tractor and trailer toy model with realistic design details for kids. Huge wheels, articulated steering, and a driver's cab with a turning seat in the LEGO Technic model tractor. This is a great LEGO set for 8 plus years old.
4. Farm Sensory Play Set - 28-Piece Sensory Bin with Play Sand, Farm Animals, Tools, and Storage Tray - Hours of Fun for Creative Indoor and Outdoor Kids Play. This sensory toy set features soft and shapeable sand that sticks to itself, enhancing fine motor skills and stimulating your child's senses.
If you need a go to list of 25 art and basic craft supplies to have on hand with preschoolers check out this post with a great starting list of art supplies we always keep ready at home to craft! There are great seasonal crafts on the blog for hours of entertainment and a great project for families of all ages.
