DIY Creation

A cardboard loom holds threads in place while a child practises weaving over and under them. Start with a small piece and contrasting colours so the pattern stays visible.

Collage works well when the materials invite choices without overwhelming the table. A small tray of paper, a base sheet and a glue stick can be enough for an absorbing session.

A miniature town turns clean packaging into a setting for stories. Keep the structures small enough to work on a table; this is a model, not something children climb into or stand on.

A paper-bag puppet gives a craft session a second activity: telling a story with the finished characters. Use clean paper bags, large paper features and age-appropriate drawing materials.

Paper weaving introduces an over-and-under pattern without needing a loom or yarn. Wide strips make the movement easier to see and give a child room to correct a mistake.