When focusing on African culture, there are a variety of craft projects that preschool-aged children can create to gain an understanding of the culture. Oatmeal canisters can be transformed into tribal drums and paper plates can be fashioned into tribal masks that are often used during cultural celebrations. Children can turn paper towel tubes into replicas of spears that are often used for hunting. Students can create beaded necklaces that are often associated with the African culture.
Use crafts to teach preschool-aged children about the different Asian cultures. After learning about the Chinese culture, children can create lanterns out of construction paper or they can use paper plates to make dragon masks. When learning about the Japanese culture, help students create simple versions of the traditional Japanese art form of origami. Pink crepe paper and real twigs from trees can be used to assemble replicas of cherry blossom branches.
There are several crafts that you can have preschool children create that relate to the different European cultures. Have students decorate hard-boiled or plastic eggs when focusing on the traditions of Russia and Romania. Use paper plates to create replicas of French berets, which children can actually wear. Cut hearts from green construction paper and assemble them into the shape of a shamrock when focusing on the Irish culture. Assemble Italian flags from red, white and green construction paper.
Children can learn about the Australian culture through craft-making activities. Have students turn empty wrapping paper tubes into didgeridoos. Use card stock and paint to construct versions of aboriginal masks. Create replicas of aboriginal petroglyphs by having children cover their hands with glue, press them onto paper and then cover them with sand.
Teach children about the vibrant South American culture with different craft projects that relate to the culture. Make maracas, which are used throughout several South American countries, by filling paper cups with dried beans or dried rice and taping them together. Cut poster board into the shape of faces and decorate with vibrant-colored paint, markers, sequins and feathers to create carnival masks.
Promote pride in the American culture by having children create American flags from red, white and blue construction or crepe paper. Teach about the indigenous people of North America by having students create dream catchers or sand art. When teaching about the Mexican culture, children can create large suns from paper plates and paint. Make maple leafs from construction paper when learning about the Canadian culture.