Our Top Tip For Keeping Students Engaged During a Crafting Session (+ Process Art Bug Lesson Plan Freebie)

If you've ever worked with kids, you probably know how challenging it can be to keep them engaged in a task.

But worry not, because we've got a super cool bug craft that will not only captivate their attention but also teach them about the wonders of nature. 

Today we're sharing a FREE bug-inspired craft project with super skill development opportunities for you to try with your students in class.

This craft is ideal for kiddos ages 4 to 6 with basic adult assistance, and kids ages 7 to 12 would love it too and would be able to do the project on their own.

Click here or on the image below to download your free Process Art Bug lesson plan. ⤵ 

Want to know our top tip for keeping children engaged in a crafting class? 

Here it is…

Celebrate the process!

It's all about cherishing the journey of discovery and giving children the freedom to make choices.

Let the craft be child-directed and encourage their creativity. Remember, the real magic lies in the process and the skills they develop along the way. 

Photo: CCC Members Heleen & Camille

How can you do this, practically speaking?  

It comes down to two things:

 1. Avoid laying out all the materials for the craft 

It’s very tempting to want to lay all of your beautiful art & crafts materials out on the tables so that the kids can see them when they walk into class, but, rather than overwhelming your students with a ton of materials all at once, introduce the materials gradually, one by one. 

This is SUPER IMPORTANT…

Show them a step, put out a material, and see what the kids do with it.

Allow them to explore the different textures, colors, and smells. Encourage their curiosity and respond to any instructions or guidance they may need.

Here's a pro tip: when you notice the kids starting to get bored or fidgety with a particular task, it's time to hand out the next material. But remember, don't take away the previous one just yet. Let them continue exploring it at their own pace. 

By introducing materials slowly, you're giving the children the opportunity to slow down, immerse themselves in each step, and truly appreciate the process.

Photo: CCC Member Camille

 2. Please, please, don't help too much! 

When a child faces a challenge during the task, resist the urge to take over. Instead, guide them through it. Stepping in to assist may seem helpful at the time, but it prevents them from learning how to do it themselves.

And here's a little tip: ask them questions, provide gentle suggestions, or offer alternative options to guide them along.

Photo: CCC Member Camille

Just imagine the smile on a child's face when they proudly hold their finished craft, knowing they put in all the effort, made choices, faced failures, overcame challenges, and created something entirely on their own. It's a beautiful sight, isn't it?

To foster that sense of ownership and confidence, we love wrapping up our crafting sessions with everyone saying together, "I made this!" It instills a personal vocabulary that speaks volumes about capability and joy. So, encourage kids to take pride in their work.

Photo: CCC Member Heleen

With these engagement strategies in mind, you'll create an experience that not only entertains the kids but also helps them develop valuable skills. So, go ahead, and let the bug adventures begin!

Click here or on the image below to download your free Process Art Bug lesson plan. ⤵

 Inside the lesson plan you'll find: 

• A supply list, what you'll need
• Explanations of the STEAM super skills that will be developed
• Step-by-step craft instructions with pictures
• BONUS: parent handout 

P.S. Want more lesson plans just like this one? Join our CCC Academy membership to gain instant access to a library of 100+ lesson craft lesson plans for ages 2-12.

Click the image below to join the waitlist and grab a free info pack: