Creative Steps

Each issue of Creative Steps includes dozens of fun ideas, with step-by-step instructions, for you to get crafty with your kids during the coming months. The projects are all designed to encourage learning through creative play and many make use of recycled household materials. Perfect for anyone caring for young children; such as childminders & nannies, pre-schools, playgroups & nursery settings, primary schools, homeschoolers, guiding leaders... and parents & grandparents! Also includes prize competitions, book reviews, fun facts and printable templates.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY

Creative Steps

ITS A GIFT

The Creation Station • The Creation Station help unleash the wonder within, through fun and educational arts and crafts, classes, parties, events and products. As a multi-award-winning, five-star rated company, they inspire over 14,500 children and families every week with creative arts and crafts experiences across the UK.Creating journeys of discovery, exploration and development to unlock ideas through fun, hands-on activities, here are a few creative ideas, taken from the www.thecreationstation.co.uk website.

Paper Baubles • Make your own Christmas tree baubles!

Paper Cup Christmas Trees

EGG CARTON CONES • Celebrate Christmas by making festive egg carton bells for your tree! Paint and decorate your bells, adding a personal touch while recycling materials for a greener Christmas!

CRAFTING FOR CHRISTMAS • Children love making decorations for Christmas and these four ideas are perfect for a group activity. Using inexpensive materials, they certainly won’t break the bank either!

ICE CANDLE • Celebrate the Christmas spirit by crafting magical ice candles that "freeze" little objects in time. Explore how different materials behave in icy temperatures and make a beautiful centerpiece that captures the holiday glow!

CHINESE CELEBRATIONS! • Celebrate Chinese New Year on January 29th with this great selection of easy-to-make activities. It’s the Year of the Snake so it’s the perfect time to learn all about reptiles too!

STEP-BY STEP DECORATED 3-D GINGERBREAD MEN • Transform an envelope into a decorated gingerbread man!

READING CORNER • Great books for growing minds

WINTER STAR • Construct a geometric star from wooden lolly sticks!

creative PLAY AWARDS 2024 • Now in their 17th year, the 2024 Creative Play Awards continue to be very competitive, so the Winners and Highly Commended entries should be very proud. Winning entries this year include updated versions of ‘old favourites’ such as Spirograph and Hot Wheelz, along with a new STEM category recognising the growth of science based educational toys and resources. These Awards help recognise some of the best creative play toys, games, books and resources available in the UK, with products assessed by independent testers in homes, schools, early years and childcare settings around the country, emphasising the importance of learning through creative play for young children.

RSPB Big Schools Bird Watch • 7 January – 14 February 2025. Together, let’s make it count

Birds

KWANZAA DRUM • Make a drum for Kwanzaa, which celebrates African-American culture. Kwanzaa is celebrated between 26th December and the 1st January

CHINESE NEW YEAR • Make a snake to celebrate 2025!

YEAR OF THE SNAKE BANNER • Make a banner or card with coiled snakes and cut out patterns

New Year Star • Make these fun greetings cards to give to friends or family to welcome in the new year.

Valentine's Caterpillars & Bug

Lamb Decorations • Make these pretty lamb decorations as a reminder that Spring is just around the corner.

READING CORNER • Great books for growing minds

GLACIER...