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Low Prep Craft Activities for OSHC, School & Home

Welcome to our Low Prep Craft section—the ultimate survival kit for busy educators and parents! We know that working in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) or a classroom often means limited preparation time, tight budgets, and the sudden need to entertain a group of children when it rains. That is why we created this collection of “Print, Cut & Glue” activities. These resources require minimal materials—usually just paper, scissors, and glue/tape—making them the perfect solution for last-minute programming or filling a gap in the day without the mess of paint or glitter.

Educational Benefits & Framework Links While these crafts are simple to set up, they are rich in developmental benefits, aligning with the My Time, Our Place (MTOP) Framework:

• Fine Motor Skills (Outcome 3): Cutting along lines, folding paper, and gluing small tabs are excellent ways to strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination. This is vital for younger children (Preps and Year 1s) developing their handwriting grip.

• Creativity & Resourcefulness (Outcome 4): By turning a flat piece of paper into a 3D object (like a puppet, house, or badge), children learn about spatial awareness and construction. They learn to be confident and involved learners by following visual instructions and problem-solving if a piece doesn’t fit.

• Sustainability: Many of our low-prep crafts can be done using scrap paper or recycled card, supporting Outcome 2 (Children are connected with and contribute to their world) by encouraging sustainable practices.

When to Use These Activities

• The “Wet Weather” Savior: When outdoor play is cancelled due to rain or extreme heat, print a stack of these templates to keep hands busy and minds active indoors.

• The 5-Minute Filler: Ideally suited for transition times or when a planned activity finishes early.

• Budget-Friendly Programming: You don’t need expensive craft kits. These templates turn standard photocopy paper into engaging toys and props.

• Thematic Play: Use our masks and props to spark dramatic play. A simple paper mask can lead to hours of imaginative storytelling in the dress-up corner.

Download & Create Browse our library of paper crafts below. From simple cut-outs for beginners to more intricate folding tasks for older children, there is something for every skill level.