**Reception Art Lesson Plan: Craft Activities**
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**Lesson Title:** Craft Activities
**Age Group:** Reception (Ages 4-5)
**Duration:** 1 hour
**Objective:**
- Students will explore different materials and tools to create various craft projects.
- Students will practice fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and assembly.
- Students will express creativity and individuality.
**Materials Needed:**
- Coloured paper
- Safety scissors
- Glue sticks
- Markers, crayons, and coloured pencils
- Googly eyes
- Craft sticks
- Pipe cleaners
- Cotton balls
- Feathers
- Buttons and beads
- Small pom-poms
- Stamps and ink pads
**Preparation:**
- Arrange all materials on tables in designated areas for easy access by students.
- Prepare examples of simple craft projects (e.g., paper animals, collages, simple puppets).
- Ensure safety measures are in place, particularly with scissors and small objects.
**Lesson Outline:**
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Gather the students in a circle.
- Introduce the topic of craft activities. Explain that today they will use different materials to make fun and creative projects.
- Show examples of the crafts they can create and briefly explain the tools and materials available.
2. **Safety Briefing (5 minutes)**
- Discuss the safe use of scissors, glue, and small objects.
- Emphasise the importance of sharing materials and being careful with sharp edges.
3. **Demonstration (10 minutes)**
- Demonstrate a simple craft project step-by-step, such as creating a paper animal (e.g., a butterfly).
- Explain each step clearly and slowly.
- Encourage the students to ask questions if they are unsure about any part of the process.
4. **Activity Time (30 minutes)**
- Allow students to choose the materials they want to use and begin creating their projects.
- Move around the classroom to offer assistance, answer questions, and provide encouragement.
- Encourage students to experiment with different materials and ideas.
5. **Clean-Up (5 minutes)**
- Guide students to carefully clean up their work areas.
- Ensure that all scraps and materials are properly disposed of or stored away.
6. **Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)**
- Gather students back in a circle.
- Invite a few students to share their creations with the class, describing what they made and the materials they used.
- Praise their efforts and creativity.
**Assessment:**
- Observe the students' participation and engagement during the activity.
- Take note of their ability to follow instructions, share materials, and use tools safely.
- Provide individual feedback to encourage further artistic exploration.
**Extension Activities:**
- Set up a craft corner in the classroom where students can access materials during free playtime.
- Encourage students to build on their projects or create new ones at home with their families.
- Plan another craft activity that explores a different theme, such as seasonal crafts or recycled materials crafts.
**Wrap-Up:**
Thank the students for their enthusiasm and creativity. Remind them to tell their families about what they made and how much fun they had during the lesson.
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Note: Adjust the complexity of projects and instructions based on the specific needs and abilities of the students in the class.