How to Incorporate Writing in Crafts

One of my favorite things is doing crafts in the classroom. But do you ever get nervous admin or someone will walk into your classroom at 12:15pm while you’re doing a craft when really it’s supposed to be writing time? Or is that just me TBH. These tear art projects are perfect for when you need a break AND they can practice writing! 

Sometimes kids just need a break from the day to day schedule - or it’s Friday and you’re just trying to make it to dismissal. Listen, we’ve all been there before. These fine motor crafts are my personal FAV for so many reasons!

No Prep!

I love a good directed craft but these tear art crafts are SO simple because all you do is print and go! Print some of these bad boys one day during your prep and keep them in a drawer when you need to go rouge from the curriculum. 

So many fine motor skills

Have you ever tried ripping paper? It’s actually a little tricky! Watch your kindergarten students try to rip paper: it REALLY works those muscles in their hands. Not only are they working on fine motor skills but it’s great for hand strength, hand eye coordination, bi lateral coordination and so many more benefits! 

Differentiated Writing Options

You know when I mentioned getting nervous someone walking in and we’re doing a craft? Well we are also WRITING! There are so many differentiated options for students to trace, use a sentence stem or write independently. No more heart sinking when your classroom door opens while you’re doing this fun craft!

It takes them forever

No seriously, it could take some of your kids a solid 30-45 minutes if they are REALLY filling in all the white space. Have fast workers? I always say the pieces of paper have to be as small as their fingernail. It’ll take them forever if they’re truly working hard!

Want to try it out for February? Here is my I love you to Pieces Tear Art craft! Students can even make this for a special someone at home!

Want the entire years worth of tear art? Here is my growing bundle!