Crafting is a wonderful way for kids to develop fine motor skills, creativity, and sensory exploration. However, traditional craft activities can sometimes be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. At Jump Ahead Pediatrics, we love modifying crafts to make them fun, safe, and accessible for every child. Our staff excel and understanding the students in their care may need modifications to join in on the crafting fun. Here’s a festive Reindeer Handprint Frame craft you can do at home or in the classroom, with tips for sensory-friendly modifications.
Supplies You’ll Need
- 4 large craft wooden sticks
- Brown paint
- Paintbrush
- Brown or white craft paper
- Scissors
- Glue (hot glue works best, but any glue is fine)
- Googly eyes
- Red pompom
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions with Sensory-Friendly Tips added by our Jump Ahead Staff!
1. Paint the Craft Sticks
- Lay out craft sticks on newspaper and paint them brown. Let them dry completely.
Sensory-Friendly Tip: Use a paintbrush if your child doesn’t like the feel of paint on their hands. For children who enjoy tactile experiences, finger painting is a great option. Consider scented or unscented paints or even dry mediums like crayons or markers for kids sensitive to wet paint.
2. Make the Handprint Antlers
- Option 1: Paint your child’s hands with brown paint and press onto white paper to make handprints. Sensory-Friendly Tip: Use gloves if your child dislikes the feeling of paint or being dirty.
- Option 2 (less messy): Trace your child’s hands on brown or white paper with a marker.
- Once dry, carefully cut out the handprints—these will become your reindeer antlers.
Sensory-Friendly Tip: For cutting, weighted support under the arms or lap pads can help stabilize hands, and larger scissors may make the task easier.
3. Build the Frame
- Take two painted craft sticks and glue them upright, slightly apart.
- Take the remaining two sticks and glue them horizontally across the top and bottom to form a square frame. Let dry completely.
Sensory-Friendly Tip: Use thicker craft sticks or adaptive tools for easier gripping. Ensure a calm environment and play soft music to reduce auditory distractions. Provide a visual step-by-step guide for children who benefit from predictable sequences.
4. Attach the Antlers
- Glue the handprints to the top corners of the frame.
Sensory-Friendly Tip: Use foam handprints or paper alternatives if textured paint feels overwhelming. Allow short breaks if your child shows signs of overstimulation.
5. Add the Face
- Glue a googly eye on each side of the frame.
- Glue a red pompom in the center for Rudolph’s nose.
Sensory-Friendly Tip: Swap small pieces like pompoms or googly eyes for foam shapes or stickers for children sensitive to small textures. Encourage a quiet space or noise-canceling headphones for auditory-sensitive children.
6. Personalize with a Photo
- Add a favorite holiday photo, maybe your child, or even a pet! to complete the frame.
Sensory-Friendly Tip: Let the child participate in choosing or placing the photo to promote independence and reduce anxiety. Use soft lighting to prevent visual overstimulation during this final step.
Why This Craft Works
This activity promotes fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity, while allowing children to explore textures and colors in a safe, supportive way. Plus, it doubles as a fun holiday decoration or gift!
Thanks to the Beagle Freedom Project for their fun craft project inspiration!
Anna Pacheco
Jump Ahead Pediatrics