Read on to learn how to make this paper bag animal puppet craft and number matching activity. A simple and effective fun craft for you to all enjoy.
Thanks to Giselle, from Manila in the Philippines, who sent in this great paper bag animal puppets with number matching idea. Let’s take a look at it…
What did you do?
I usually plan our activities around the available materials at home. At the time of this activity, it’s these brown paper bags I’ve had for a while from takeout. I got the idea for this craft activity online but thought I’d make it a bit more challenging and personal by incorporating a matching activity to practice number recognition and sequencing (watch video to see how it works).
What we used:
1. Paper bags
2. Colored paper
3. Marker
4. Glue stick
5. Sets of eyes
You can adapt this play by using colors, letters or words, depending on your child’s interests or skill level.
I like that it’s so easy to prepare. It took me less than 30-mins, including taking the video! Also, the materials used are all recycled or things you probably already have at home! Most of all, the activity goes beyond finishing the artwork. Kids can play with these puppets anytime.
Do you have any other projects planned?
We have a lot of activities lined up and they’re all related to our book of the week.
Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…
My name is Giselle and I am 34 years old as of writing. I’m a full-time mom to my 3 year old boy and 1 year old girl. We are from Manila, Philippines.
We started doing simple home activities early this year (2020) when my son turned 3. Once in a while I’d involve my daughter, too. It’s not only a play/learning activity for them, it’s also our quality time together.
@everydaybacktoplay
Do you have any tips for other parents?
The best advice I could give (which was also given to me) to those asking “What should my kids be doing at this age? or How do I keep them busy?” is to JUST LET THEM PLAY. We always hear that play is the work of the child. And this is so true. They learn a lot by playing. I think we should stop putting a lot of pressure on ourselves as parents especially during this time when there’s a lot to think about.
But if you just want to add some structure to your child’s play, there are plenty of resources online like free worksheets and simple play ideas like those on this website! Practical skills and values are also some of the best things to learn at home.
Lastly, use this time well to bond with your kids. Before we know it, time has passed and they’ve all grown up.
What are your family’s favourite board game(s)/card game(s)?
We have not started with board games yet but are slowly introducing memory card game to our son.
What are your children’s favourite books?
My 1 year old loves Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle and the nursery rhymes compilation. My 3 year old is currently into the Joy Berry series and Ladybird classic tales. He can sit through longer stories now.
What toys would you recommend to other parents?
Open-ended toys like blocks and magnet tiles.
Check out our Monkey paper bag activity here.
