Make Independence Day bright with this 4th of July preschool art project.
Kids will love making, decorating, and using this craft.
This article may contain affiliate links to products that may help you when homeschooling preschool.
Summer Crafts with Preschoolers
Crafts are a fantastic way to sneak in much-needed fine motor practice for preschoolers.
The fine motor muscles in the hands are responsible for being able to zip a zipper, tie shoes, brush teeth, hold a pencil, and write.
Fine motor muscles help with many tasks that create self-sufficient little people.
Yay for some independence for preschoolers (and less mom needs to do to get people out the door).
This article may contain affiliate links to products that may help you when homeschooling preschool.
This 4th of July preschool art project involves folding, cutting, gluing, and decorating.
All these tasks help strengthen hand muscles.
Summer crafts are also a great way to keep kids occupied and give purpose to their tasks.
This 4th of July preschool art project isn’t just pleasant to look at; it has a functional purpose; to light up the night!
The lantern doesn’t only need to be a 4th of July craft.
Change the color of the paper or the decorations and make it a lantern for a different holiday.
Little ones can also color on white cardstock and make it into a personalized lantern.
Items Needed for 4th of July Craft
-colored cardstock (red, white, and blue) or construction paper
-clear tape/glue stick/stapler
-glow stick
-decorations (glitter cardstock, glitter stars, etc.)
-pencil
-straight edge (optional)
How to Make a 4th of July Preschool Art Project
1. Cut a 1-inch strip off the short end of the paper.
Put this aside.
It will become the handle for the 4th of July preschool art project.
2. Fold the cardstock hamburger style.
3. Draw a line 1 inch along the short edge of the paper near the open side.
This line will be a “stop-cutting line,” so all the cuts will be similar lengths.
4. Draw lines from the fold to the “stop cutting line” in 1-inch increments so little ones know where to cut.
5. Using child-safe scissors, start at the fold and cut down the lines.
Be sure to stop at the “stop cutting line.”
6. Open the paper up.
Rotate the paper so the “stop cutting line” is on top.
7. Curve the paper around, making the long sides of the paper touch.
The fold should be pushed out from the middle of the paper lantern.
8. Staple the top and the bottom of the paper together.
9. Grab the strip that was cut off in Step 1.
Attach it to either side of the top of the lantern to make the handle.
10. Cut 1-inch strips from the glitter cardstock to make strips for the top and bottom of the lantern.
Glue (or staple) the strips on the top and bottom.
11. Add glitter stars to the lantern.
12. Break a glow stick and put it inside the lantern.
The glow stick can be taped inside, or if the lantern won’t be carried around, stand up the glow stick and put the paper lantern around it.
13. Enjoy the 4th of July preschool art project during the day or at night.
4th of July Craft
Take the 4th of July preschool art project along to light the way while waiting for the fireworks to start, or enjoy them at home.
Either way, preschoolers will love creating a functional art project.