African Arts and Crafts For Kids

Creating African arts and crafts for kids is a fun way to get them engaged in cultural history at a young age. Through simple and creative activities, your child will learn about different types of African animals, games, cultural symbols, and holidays. Here are a few examples of different inexpensive and educational crafts that you can make with your child:

Mancala is a traditional African game that promotes critical thinking and improves mathematical skills. The game board and playing pieces can be easily created with these tools:
Egg carton
Scissors
Paint
Small beads - all the same size

Simply cut off the lid of the egg carton, flip it upside down and glue it to the other half. This creates a base and a playing board. Next have your child decorate the carton with brightly colored (think red, orange and yellow) paints. For added decoration, have ready-made shapes cut out of construction paper for your child to glue onto the sides. Finally, have your child choose their beads, place four in each cup and you are ready for an enjoyable game of Mancala!

One of the exciting aspects of Africa that especially interests children is the idea of a safari. Cater to your child's seemingly infinite imagination and help them create Safari Puppets. You will need:
African animal stickers
Blank note cards
Hot glue gun
Scissors
Popsicle or craft stick

Have your child place the stickers on the blank note cards. Then, have them use the scissors to cut around the perimeter. Take the cut out animal shapes and use the glue gun to fix it to the craft stick.

Music is an integral aspect to traditional African life. Drums represent the heart beat of life and are used in many African dances and festivals. Create African arts and crafts for kids that will not only be fun to create, but can be enjoyed for years to come. To help your child create an African-style drum, you will need:
Red, black and yellow construction paper
Glue
African animal stickers
Coffee can

First cut the red and black construction paper into strips that will fit vertically onto the coffee can. Have your child glue the strips to the can. Cut a thicker strip our of the yellow construction paper that will fit around the width of the can. Glue it to the can. Your child can now decorate the can with the African animal stickers to their liking. Finally place the lid on the can and start tapping away!

There are many more African arts and crafts for kids that are low in cost and fun to make. Get creative! Make masks out of paper-mache or design your own coloring books filled with African scenery and animals. Whatever you choose, you should feel good that you are helping your kid expand their world view and keeping their imaginations alive and active.