[Summer Vacation Crafts for Lower Grades] Make It with Everyday Materials! Simple Yet Awesome Craft Ideas
Have you ever had the experience of working hard on a summer vacation craft project, only to have someone say it looks “simple”? In fact, with a little creativity, you can make projects that really impress people, even using basic materials.
Here, we’ll introduce craft ideas that even lower elementary school children can enjoy.
Using familiar items, you can create lots of projects that are more fun and interesting than they look.
Be sure to use these ideas to find a favorite craft that you’ll be proud to show off to your friends once it’s finished!
- Simple yet amazing crafts: craft ideas that elementary school students will want to make
- Paper cup crafts that elementary school kids will love! A collection of fun project ideas
- Recommended for lower elementary school students! A collection of plastic bottle craft ideas made with everyday materials.
- Fun crafts using straws
- For summer vacation homework! Simple and amazing crafts for elementary school students that you’ll want to make after seeing them
- [For Girls] Make It with Everyday Items! Easy but Super Cute Craft Ideas
- [For First Graders] A Collection of Science Project Ideas Using Everyday Materials
- [For Kids] Today’s Handmade Craft Ideas
- [For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas
- Simple and cute summer project crafts! A collection of ideas for girls that will make you want to create
- Third graders will be hooked! A collection of science project ideas using everyday materials
- Elementary School Students: Simple One-Day Science Project and Craft Ideas
- Craft ideas using plastic bottle caps [for boys]
[Summer Vacation Crafts for Lower Grades] Made with Everyday Materials! Simple but Awesome Craft Ideas (201–210)
Authentic handmade guitar
Here’s an introduction to a genuine-sounding guitar you can make using items like toilet paper rolls and paper cups.
You’ll also use a sample-size paper cup; the key is to choose one whose bottom fits the toilet paper roll.
Cut slits in the paper cup, hook rubber bands onto both the cup and the toilet paper roll, and stack the two pieces together.
By adjusting the position of the toilet paper roll, you can improve the sound when you pluck the rubber bands.
If you attach the sample cup and make a pick, you can create an even more authentic guitar—give it a try!
Crafts you can play with
In this Reiwa era, where digital devices have surrounded us since the day we were born, it’s nice to enjoy some analog play from time to time.
So here’s a summer craft you can make and play with right away: the “Wobbly Tree.” Glue a branching tree onto half of a toy capsule.
Hang rubber bands from the branches one by one, and the person who knocks the tree over loses.
If you substitute the toy capsule base with something else, you can make an even bigger tree.
There are also videos introducing other playable crafts, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out.
Let’s make a super ball
Did you know you can make a super ball yourself? You’ll need PVA laundry glue, salt, and food coloring or paint.
First, dissolve 40 g of salt in water and add color, then pour the saltwater into the glue and stir with a chopstick.
You’ll see a gooey mass start to form around the chopstick.
Gather it up and blot the moisture with a paper towel, and you’ll have an easy homemade super ball.
Depending on the batch, some bounce very well and others less so, but try adding your favorite colors and make all kinds of super balls!
rubber band powered boat
If you’re unsure what to make for your summer break craft or independent research project, how about building a rubber-powered boat? It’s a charming craft you can make with simple materials like a milk carton, a kamaboko board, and a plastic bottle! Build a cool, moving boat and surprise your friends and teacher! The power unit is made by combining a cut milk carton with rubber bands.
Despite its simple structure, it moves steadily, so it could be fun to make them with friends and race them together.
You can also decorate the exterior of the boat however you like and try a design full of originality!
rubber band gun
Despite its simple appearance, a rubber band gun is the kind of toy just about any boy will want to try making at least once.
You can build one with materials found at home, like cardboard and rubber bands, so it’s a perfect quick craft even if you’re in a pinch—say, when summer vacation homework still isn’t done! With a bit of ingenuity, you can even make a cool, high-function model capable of three consecutive shots.
Add your own decorations and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind creation.
Plus, if you make targets from items like toilet paper rolls, you can actually play with it—so why not craft and have fun together with friends or family?
Melon cream soda
Melon cream soda is also appealing for its vibrant appearance—the green color topped with ice gives a refreshing feel, doesn’t it? This is about trying to recreate that beautiful, summery look of melon soda.
The steps are simple: put jelly clay into a plastic cup, insert a straw, and place a scoop of white clay “ice cream” on top.
Combine elements like jewel stones and glitter to make the most of the light and finish it with a sparkling look.
The closer it looks to the real thing, the more you might feel disappointed when you remember you can’t actually drink it.
house
If you’re looking to make something that will wow everyone for your summer vacation craft project, a model house is a great choice.
You build it by repeatedly combining cut wooden chopsticks.
It may take time and effort, but if you want to tackle a big project over the long summer break, give it a try! Another nice point is that you can add your own personal touches.
It would be wonderful to create a house with a unique, original design, or one that you’d love to live in yourself.