Hanukkah Crafts for Older Children

There are many Hanukkah craft activities available for children of all ages and abilities. Older children do like a challenge and finding ideas for something useful or fun for them to create can be a challenge for the parent. For older children a tree branch Menorah is one option but there are other ideas as well.

Metal Star of David:

Older children can enjoy making a Star of David for a holiday decoration. This project is geared for an older child but may still require adult supervision.

Supplies:

Disposable aluminum pie plate or older aluminum pot pie pan

Felt marker

Scissors

Medium size nail with a sharp point

String, ribbon or yarn

Cardboard scraps

Have your child draw the star of David on the flat portion of the aluminum. Carefully cut out the shape with scissors. An Exacto blade could be used but this would require more caution and supervision. When your child has removed their Star of David from the plate or pan have them use the nail to punch a medium sized hole in the top. Use the cardboard scrap underneath to prevent surface damage to their work area. Your child can then use the same nail to make indentations in the star. Have them make as many indentations as they wish and even making some through holes would add a nice touch. Attach a ribbon, piece of yarn or string to the top hole to allow for hanging. If your child desires they can even add glitter glue to further decorate their ornament.

Paper Dreidels:

Older children can also enjoy making paper Dreidels that they can actually use. A template for their Dreidel can be found at: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/hanukkah/dreidel/template.shtml

Supplies:

Dreidel template or free hand version if you are talented

Paper, plain or colored

Thin cardboard or construction paper

Scissors

Glue

Drinking straw or small wood dowel

Paint or glitter if desired

Have your child cut out their main Dreidel template. This can now be drawn on their plain or colored paper, or used directly from the printer paper. To make the Dreidel stronger glue this pattern to a thin piece of cardboard or construction paper. When this is dry, paint, glitter and symbols can be added to each side of the Dreidel shape. Cut out the pattern from the paper if you have not already done so. Next add a small hole to the middle of the single square on your form. Have your child fold their Dreidel along all the inside lines of their paper. Glue the sides and the top flaps so they will stay securely closed. When this figure is fully assembled it should appear to be a box with a pyramid shape on one end. Take the straw or dowel through the top hole and insert it until it hits the bottom of the Dreidel. The straw or dowel may be glued slightly to hold it in place. Your child's Dreidel is now ready for their enjoyment.

　　

References:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/hanukkah/dreidel/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/hanukkah/metalcutouts/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/hanukkah/dreidel/template.shtml