Make a realistic-looking body project using rolled paper, markers, paints and scissors. Kids can create a human form that matches their exact size and shape, helping them to better understand the different parts of the body. Cut large sheets of butcher or rolled paper to slightly larger than the child's size. Have the child lie down on the paper and trace her entire outline. After she gets up, invite the child to decorate the form to look like her. She can draw facial features, clothing and even add skin tone with markers or paints. For added fun, reuse scrap fabric or felt to make hair and clothes. After the project is done, cut out around the body. Discuss the various body parts and features with the child, asking her to point out the arms, legs, knees, shoulders and more.
A book-making craft provides the young child with the opportunity to learn about a special subject, such as the human body, while exploring the artistic process and developing literacy skills. Fold sheets of construction paper together to make a thin booklet or fold a long, thin rectangle accordion-style for an imaginative option. Encourage your preschooler to draw a picture of the body or different parts such as an ear, knee, arm or foot onto each page of the book. Help her to practice early literacy and writing skills by printing or tracing the name for each body part onto the corresponding page.
You can use puppet making with preschoolers to connect the body theme with other areas such as the visual arts or drama. Create simple paper bag puppets by decorating a plain lunch sack with arms, legs and facial features. Another option is to make a puppet by tracing one part of the child's body and using it as the main part of their new crafty friend. For example, trace the child's foot, cut out around the lines and decorate with googly eyes or markers. Tape a craft stick to the back to make a handle.
Printable body worksheets and coloring pages are one of the easiest crafts to try with preschoolers. Use printables as a standalone activity or add them to another crafting project. Select a printable page from an educational or art website such as Kids Soup or Tools for Educators (See Resources). Use crayons, markers or even paint to decorate the printables. Cut out the image or leave it as is. For a more advanced project, collage a few different cut images from printables onto a larger board or laminate the body pictures and display as a visual reminder of the lesson.