My love of all things autumn continues with this ripped paper acorn. This is a cute craft that can be adapted easily for various ages. We used markers but paint or crayons would work well too. Ripping paper may seem destructive but as this post from an OT explains, the mechanics involved actually helps develop the tripod grip which is the proper way of holding a writing utensil. This is SO important for the end of preschool and early kindergarten. So making this acorn craft with your toddler or preschooler or kindergartener will be time well spent!
- Gather your materials. You will need 2 pieces of construction paper, a brown paper bag, a darker brown and light brown marker / crayon or paint, and glue.
- Have your child color half of the brown paper bag with the dark brown, then the other half with the lighter brown.
- While your child is coloring draw the outline of an acorn on a piece of construction paper.
- Start ripping.
Rip the colored paper bag into small pieces, keep the two colors in separate piles. Little ones may need help ripping the paper if it’s thick, I had to get the rips started for my son.
- Add the glue to the bottom half of the acorn. As you can see my little guy doesn’t always follow my directions!
- Glue on the ripped pieces.
- Repeat with the top half.
You want a lot of glue so that no matter where your child places the paper it will stick.
- Let dry
- Cut the acorn out and glue to the 2nd piece of construction paper.
Books!
” Leaf Jumpers “ by Carole Gerber is a beautifully illustrated, informative book that is all about leaves in autumn. It’s not the most exciting book but is a good teaching resource and tool when you are teaching your child about the changing seasons. I can’t say this is a must-read, but it’s useful and worth a look at your local library.
” T is for Touchdown : A Football Alphabet” by Brad Herzog is a beautiful book that will delight even those of us who are never happy to see football season start. I admit even being an anti fan this book was fun and really full of information that even a football scrooge like myself can appreciate. Also, it’s easy to read simply the letters and look at the pictures for little ones and has genuinely interesting blurbs for each page for older children.
” Every Season ” by Shelly Rotner is a keeper. The text is simple, but the pictures really capture all the wonderful things that each season brings to make up a whole year. The photographs can be used as ice-breakers about things children love about each season, are looking forward to or even don’t like. Either way this book is full of possibilities.
” T is for Touchdown : A Football Alphabet” by Brad Herzog is a beautiful book that will delight even those of us who are never happy to see football season start. I admit even being an anti fan this book was fun and really full of information that even a football scrooge like myself can appreciate. Also, it’s easy to read simply the letters and look at the pictures for little ones and has genuinely interesting blurbs for each page for older children.
” Every Season ” by Shelly Rotner is a keeper. The text is simple, but the pictures really capture all the wonderful things that each season brings to make up a whole year. The photographs can be used as ice-breakers about things children love about each season, are looking forward to or even don’t like. Either way this book is full of possibilities.
MamaFeelgood says
Just wanted to let you know that I found your blog about a week ago and am feeling so inspired. My little one is 2 and just starting to understand so much. We are definitely doing this craft and the leaf spiral this weekend.
BTW…he loves watching you sing.
melanie says
This is sooo cute! We found some acorns in our back yard today and my toddler was soooo excited. This craft would be a perfect follow up!
And what is it with eating glue? My toddler just can’t get enough of it.
Professional Mommy says
I love this! A great craft for toddlers.
Jennifer says
seriously, how do you keep all of your book organized?
Allie says
Mamafeelgood and Professionalmommy- Thank you!
Melanie- I don’t know what it is about glue that is oh so tasty! My son loves paint and markers too!
Jennifer- I try alphabetize my books, and of course never have time to do all of them, and by the time I get to the 2nd shelf the first shelf is all messed up again.
Lindsay says
I love this project!! Val has a current acorn thing going on.. perfect for fall! muah! 🙂
Allie says
Hey Linds! Yeah my little man is all into pumpkins and acorns too. We were at Pier I today and you would have thought I took him to the zoo he was so excited checking out all the fall decor! It’s a plus that it smells good and was free to go too.
Brad Herzog says
Hey, thanks so much for the kind words about T is for Touchdown. I’m the author, and I love the book, too! Check out my website — http://www.bradherzog.com — I also have alphabet books about soccer, baseball, golf, stock car racing, extreme sports and (coming in Oct. 2008) the greatest moments in sports history (A is for Amazing Moments).
Allie says
Brad- Thank you so much for stopping by!
I’m off to check out your website!
Angela says
saw this from The Crafty Crow. my middle child LOVES to shred paper – i will definitely do this craft with her!
amy d says
I found your website last night and I can’t wait to get started on some of these projects My son is 3 and attends a Montessori school. I love how you give pictures of all the steps and the book ideas!
Thanks!
[email protected] says
Love this one. I LOVE FALL! Anyways, I am glad I am not the only one who lets my kids drink glue! 🙂 J/K and I am referring to #6. Have a great Tuesday and as always thanks for the inspiration.
.-= [email protected]´s last blog ..My Superhero =-.
admin says
Can you tell he nursed forever too? My child and his oral fixations. I think , think we might have turned a corner… let’s hope!
Glad you liked it, it’s one of my all time favorites.
Adela says
I like all of these workshops. Are incredible to teach !!
From Panama City
Julie says
My 21 month old daughter and I made banana muffins today. Then we used your acorn craft idea on a brown gift bag with handles. My mother-in-law loves animal cookies, so for her birthday, we wanted to make a special bag for them to go in. Let me know how I can share a pic☺️ Thank you for the idea! I will keep my eyes open for more.
Allison McDonald says
So sweet!