Wooden People: A Creative Bonding Activity for Little Hands

Children will love making this craft activity for the father figure in their lives. They can choose to make their dad, grandfather, uncle, or even themselves! The possibilities are endless, as they let their creativity run wild to make a truly unique gift!

There are a number of ways children could decorate these wooden people including colouring them using crayons or markers, or dressing them up with felt clothes. In this activity we’ll cover the latter, but feel free to choose the tools that best suit your desired outcomes.

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Choose your wooden person and select one or many skin colour crayons to colour the areas that clothes won’t cover.
  2. Choose some felt and trace around the wooden person to give yourself a guide for cutting. You could make a shirt, pants, shoes etc.
  3. Cut along the lines and amend as needed to fit the desired area.
  4. Use glue to adhere the clothing to the wooden figure.
  5. Glue on the eyes.
  6. Add any additional details like facial features an hair (you can cut pieces of twine or felt to glue on the head for hair).
Height 8cm x width 4.8cm, 8mm thick, Made from FSC plywood, Pack includes 10 people
Height 15cm x width, 8.9cm 8mm thick, Made from FSC plywood, Pack includes 10 people
Discover the new colours of the World range with these crayons. These skin tone art tools are an exciting addition to your collection at home or in the classroom, making colouring pages and drawings even more detailed and realistic.
This pack of Crayola Large School Crayons contains 48 bright and vibrant crayons iin 8 colours. These crayons are easy to hold and hard to break which makes them ideal for the classroom or at home.
Twine Jute - 75m Approx 1-2 mm thick Being a plant based product, there is a natural variation in colour and texture
Glue Joggle eyes onto puppets, dolls or collage works of art. 5mm in diameter
The eyes create an extra 3D look and bring a fun element to children's craft projects. The joggle eyes also promote fine motor skills as the child must hold the small pieces and accurately place them in the chosen position. Ages 3yrs+.

Engaging in creative activities with children is a fantastic way to foster connection, creativity, and learning. The "Dad & Me Wooden People" craft is a perfect example of how simple materials and imagination can lead to hours of fun and meaningful experiences for both adults and children.

How This Activity Aligns with EYLF Outcomes

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) outlines key outcomes that guide the development of children in their early years. This craft activity aligns with several of these outcomes, supporting children’s growth in meaningful ways:

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

Creating wooden figures representing family members encourages children to explore their own identity and relationships. Through personalizing these figures, they gain a deeper understanding of their family dynamics and build a sense of belonging.

For example:

  • Painting the figures to resemble family members helps children recognize and celebrate their unique roles within their families.
  • Discussing family traits and traditions while crafting fosters a strong connection to their identity and heritage.


Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world


This activity offers opportunities for children to reflect on their relationships and the people around them.

  • As children design their "Dad" and themselves, they develop an awareness of how they contribute to their family unit.
  • Exploring the different roles people play in their lives fosters a sense of community and connection.

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

Creative expression has a positive impact on emotional wellbeing. This activity allows children to:

  • Build confidence in their abilities as they design and create.
  • Strengthen bonds with their caregivers through shared play and creativity.

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

Crafting encourages problem-solving, experimentation, and learning through hands-on experiences. With this activity:

  • Children develop fine motor skills by painting, gluing, and manipulating small objects.
  • They explore concepts of design and representation, boosting their confidence as capable learners.

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

Throughout the activity, children are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and express themselves creatively.

  • They may use language to describe their design choices or tell stories about the characters they’ve created.
  • Creating these figures offers a platform for conversations about family, emotions, and shared experiences.

Tips for Educators and Families

To enhance the learning potential of this activity, consider the following tips:

  • Open-ended questions: Ask children why they chose specific colours or designs. This helps develop critical thinking and self-expression.
  • Storytelling: Encourage children to create stories or scenarios involving their wooden figures to further develop their language and cognitive skills.
  • Cultural representation: Invite children to incorporate elements that reflect their cultural background, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Conclusion

The "Dad & Me Wooden People" craft is more than just a fun activity; it’s a tool for building relationships, fostering creativity, and achieving EYLF outcomes. By engaging in meaningful play, children develop essential skills and a deeper connection to their world.

Start crafting today and see the smiles it brings to little faces while supporting their growth and development!