For summer vacation homework! Simple and amazing crafts for elementary school students that you’ll want to make after seeing them
A fun summer vacation homework project for kids: crafts! But as children move into the upper grades, they can run out of ideas and worry about making something that doesn’t end up being the same as their friends’.
So here, we’re introducing craft ideas recommended for elementary school students from lower to upper grades.
Many use materials you already have at home or can buy at a 100-yen shop, so they’re easy to try.
The ideas are designed to help kids discover their own unique projects and express their creativity.
Use these as a reference and make some wonderful summer vacation memories!
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[For Summer Vacation Homework!] Easy and Amazing Crafts for Elementary Schoolers That You’ll Want to Make When You See Them (241–250)
scratch art

Scratch art is an art form where you scrape a black scratch surface with a pointed pen or similar tool to reveal colorful patterns and designs underneath.
One of its charms is how easy it is to enjoy.
Let’s try making scratch art by hand.
First, color a clear plastic file folder with bright colors using permanent markers.
Next, paint over it entirely with black paint.
Once the paint is completely dry, it’s ready.
Use a bamboo skewer to scratch the dried paint and draw any pictures you like!
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!
cardboard bow and arrow

I’ll show you how to make a bow and arrow out of cardboard.
First, cut the cardboard into rectangles and prepare two pieces, each creased down the middle lengthwise.
Glue the edges together so they form a roof-like shape.
Next, cut a strip of construction paper, wrap it around a pen to make a small tube, and attach it to the corners of the cardboard.
Then connect four rubber bands together, cut small slits in the cardboard, and attach the rubber bands.
Finally, tape two straws together; wrap tissue around one end and tape it to secure, and cut slits in the other end to make the arrow.
You’re done! Making a target will make it even more fun.
Be careful and play safely.
Pictogram-style collage

Let’s combine pictograms to create a storytelling collage.
First, use colored construction paper or similar materials to make a shallow box.
Once it’s made, fold it at a 90-degree angle to create a stage-like setup.
Next, copy the pictograms you want to use and cut them out with scissors.
Depending on your story, you can use only certain parts of a pictogram.
It can also be fun to create or draw additional non-pictogram elements.
By all means, use a variety of ideas to make your own entertaining pictogram theater.
10 Musical Instruments Made from Plastic Bottles

Musical instruments can produce all kinds of sounds and are fascinating, but many people may feel hesitant to buy a lot when they’re not sure how much they’ll actually use them.
Here, we’ll introduce many instruments you can make using plastic bottles.
For example, castanets made by attaching plastic bottle caps to cardboard, a whistle made by punching a hole in a cap and inserting a straw, and even instruments with different pitches just by letting the air out of a plastic bottle.
There are also plastic bottle drums and a “petphone,” made by connecting plastic bottles cut to various lengths.
Use these as references and give it a try!
[For Summer Vacation Homework!] Simple and Amazing Crafts for Elementary School Students That You'll Want to Make When You See Them (251–260)
big cracker

Here’s how to make a fun megaphone cracker.
First, cut off both edges of a clear file folder to separate it into two sheets.
Fold one of the sheets in half lengthwise and cut along the fold.
Next, roll one of the cut pieces into a tube, then tape this tube to the center of the larger remaining sheet.
Roll the sheet into a megaphone shape and secure it.
Then roll the other remaining piece into a long, thin tube, thread it through the center of the megaphone, and tape one end so it connects with a rubber band-like loop.
Prepare three pieces of plastic string cut to an appropriate length, attach aluminum foil to their tips, and crumple the foil into little balls.
Finally, tape the strings with the foil tips to the end of the inner tube that runs through the center.
And you’re done! A flashy, eye-catching megaphone cracker—give it a try!
Infinity Cube made from a milk carton

The endlessly flippable infinity cube is so much fun, isn’t it? Let’s make one using milk cartons.
First, wash and dry the cartons, then prepare two cartons with the top and bottom cut off.
Cut each one into eight vertical strips to make 16 long, narrow pieces.
Next, use two pieces to make one cube.
There’s a trick to how the cubes are connected, so be careful not to connect them the wrong way.
Once you’ve connected them correctly, stick origami paper on top, and you’re done.



