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4th of July celebrations are about to commence, and it's time to ready yourselves to experience the deliciousness of barbeques, the laughter of family and friends, and the luminosity of sparklers and fireworks.
Our toddlers may not know what all of the excitement is about, but when we involve them in the preparation they get to learn. 4th of July crafts for toddlers will allow them to get messy while becoming tuned in to Independence Day.
And, what is most welcoming about these crafts is that while you make them, you can also include designs that help celebrate your own family’s heritage and teach the importance of diversity to your toddler.
"Raising a global citizen who understands that our differences are worth celebrating takes deliberate action," mom Rachel Pierre wrote for Mom.com.
4th of July arts and crafts for toddlers
With grandma’s help or with yours, your toddler can build their fine motor skills while they craft. “Arts and crafts usually require kids to use both hands in a certain manner, which can help them develop fine motor skills and bilateral coordination,” shared psychologist and mom Olivia Williams Jones to Tinybeans. Crafting allows our tots to problem-solve and innovate, and it helps build their confidence.
Balloon flag wall
Kids love balloons, and what could be more fun than making the American flag out of balloons? Blow up small groups of red, white, and blue balloons and stick them to a designated wall in the pattern of the American flag. If you want to represent more of your heritage, then create another flag wall so that both of your nationalities are on display.
4th of July rockets
Homemade rockets are fun to make and are even more fun to play with. Paint, tissue paper, and toilet paper rolls are the main items needed for this fiery craft.
Fireworks rings
Break out the shimmery red, silver, and blue pipe cleaners! Form the shape of a firework burst, and let your toddler enjoy her sparkly new ring.
4th of July headbands
These headbands will be perfect for your toddlers to wear. Grab as many headbands as you will need, and lay out pipe cleaners and felt material. While you make the shapes, your toddler can help wrap the pipe cleaners around the headband and glue the felt in place.
Salt painted fireworks
Glue, salt, paint, and white cardstock will make this creative piece of art come to life. With this craft, your toddler will get to see the fireworks sparkle as the paint touches the salt.
Recycled crafts for the 4th
Usually there are more than enough materials that can be found in our homes to turn out an array of craft projects. Check the inventory of your house — ideas from using dried rice to tin cans will make crafting with your toddler a fun adventure.
Fun Fourth candle holders
Put those empty baby food jars to good use. Clean them out and have your toddler fill them with dyed dry rice to make red, white, and blue candles.
4th of July cake topper
Little ones love cake, so why not let them in on the fun of decorating it? With paper, colored pencils, and a toothpick, you and your little one can put together a cute Independence Day cake topper.
4th of July thumbprint stars
Have your toddler dip her index finger in either red or blue paint to create this star-speckled art piece.
Patriotic tin can wind chimes
Grab those empty tin cans from your recycler bin, and after cleaning them up, bring out the paint and paint brushes to create a rhythmic wind chime with your toddler.
Celebrate diversity: "America and me" crafts
Since America is made up of diverse cultures and backgrounds, there is no need to shy away from displaying the cultures you and your family represent on this Independence Day.
Craft stick American flag
Flag art is a great way to display the countries represented in your home and a great way to honor both. For this craft you will need popsicle sticks, paintbrushes, and paint. Paint the popsicle sticks in the colors that reflect your heritage, glue together to make a flag, and display them throughout your home.
4th of July cupcake art
Decorate cupcakes with colors reflecting not only the USA, but also the cultural background that your family represents. One set of cupcakes can have white icing speckled with red, white, and blue sprinkles, while another set of cupcakes can be sprinkled with the colors of a different flag.
4th of July parade wands
Homemade parade wands can be made with ease. Find ribbon that reflects America's national colors, and then choose ribbons that reflect your other nationality. Let your toddler run around the Fourth of July party proudly twirling her wands.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
