• Christian-based preschool crafts are a good learning opportunity.christian christmas image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
  
  Craft projects are a great way to keep preschool children both interested and learning. Adding in a Christian theme can help to continue the ideals and lessons being taught and the crafts can often demonstrate these with actions. For boys, using their hands and creating a craft provides a learning opportunity and a meaningful finished product that contains both knowledge of the lesson and the fact they created it themselves.
  
  

Action

• Boys like to make things move. Often the item may seem more of a toy but the creating of the craft and the lesson involved will be absorbed when the child spends the time to make it, and of course if it is interesting enough to continue playing with it long after the craft is done. A popular craft for this is the fishing game. Using a dowel and string, create "fish" from construction paper or cardboard. The children can paint or decorate the fish. Place a paper clip in the fish's mouth. Add a paper clip to the string on the pole, and let the children fish for them. The fish is both a common Christian symbol and many parables can be demonstrated with this craft and activity.
  
  

Take Home Crafts

• Creating a star at Christmas-time, a rainbow during spring, a prayer mat, grow a plant from seed to take the plant home, or making play-dough are all excellent ways to both create a craft and give the child a lasting item to remember the lesson. These can be tailored to a theme such as a palm tree at Easter, or making a basket at Thanksgiving to remember to share the bounty we have, and any number of other opportunities.
  
  

Crafts for Others

• A healing bracelet to send to a sick child in a hospital is a powerful craft and lesson. It fills him with the spirit of giving and hope, and he feels as though he is reaching out to others in need. Making an item such as a small key chain for Dad on Father's day, a basket to gather cards for his mother demonstrating gathering and giving lessons are also excellent choices.