Fall/Autuman Hand Print Leaves Tree - Craft for Kids

Make this beautiful Hand Print Tree with your family or classroom!

Crafts for all abilities!   

for Ages 3 Years and Up with Adult Supervision    

Hand Print Tree - great for classroom bulletin board or family craft project!
This idea was taken from Melissa & Doug's TEACH Newsletter.
If you sign up for their email list and put teacher as your occupation
you get a teacher-oriented newsletter with arts & crafts, lessons etc.

Supplies Needed:

• Construction paper
• Something to trace hand prints with
• Poster Paint or Watercolor Paint
• Crayons
• Markers
• Children's Scissors
• Glue Sticks for kids Non-Roll or Double-sided Tape

Time Needed:  

• Up to 1 hour depending on the size of your tree

What To Do:

1. Cut the shape of a tree trunk from brown construction paper or craft paper.
2. Cut out the shape of your tree top from green construction paper. This will give you a background to the hand prints and also a place to attach them.
3. Trace hand prints of each child onto construction paper and then cut them out - or if the child is able let them do this themselves. Decorate your "leaves". Estimate the number of "leaves" you'll need and do all of these.
   NOTE: We found it easier to paint, color etc. before tracing and cutting out our hand prints.
4. Attach the top of your tree to the trunk using glue or tape and then attach your tree to a wall, door, or bulletin board.
5. Attach each "leaf" to the top of the tree using glue or tape. My kids loved putting each of their own "leaves" on the tree by themselves. This made them very proud. 
6. ENJOY! You're done!

Why We Love Crafts for Kids: Art develops creative thinking, provides means of communication and self expression, increases self understanding, strengthens self concepts and confidence, serves as an emotional release, provides decision-making opportunities, develops appreciation for the individuality of others, aids physical coordination, develops work habits and a sense of responsibility, heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity, and generates joy!  

For Children with Special Needs:  Assist your child as much as needed - but allow it to be his project.  Art projects are great for fine motor exercise, and using creativity. If your child has a limited attention span, have all supplies ready before having him begin the project.

PLEASE POST IN COMMENTS your opinion of this kids craft, if you enjoyed it, other ideas that may be similar.   

Kids Art Supplies:
Construction Paper
Children's Scissors
Glue Sticks for kids Non-Roll
Markers for kids Non-Roll
Crayons for kids Non-Roll Triangular Crayons
Poster Paint
Watercolor Paint