With Easter just around the corner, the hunt for engaging and meaningful activities for the kiddos is on. These 5 Printable easter basket template ideas are a simple way to work on those fine motor skills AND SEL skills.
Amidst the sea of Easter bunny ideas, let me share a gem that’s not only a crafty joy but also teaches kids the sweet art of gratitude in social emotional learning activities. Introducing the Printable Easter Basket Template!
How to Teach Kids to Be Thankful for People in Their Lives?
Let’s face it, in a world buzzing with technology and instant gratification, instilling gratitude in little hearts can be a challenge. But fear not, because Easter provides the perfect backdrop to weave in these valuable life lessons.
The Power of ‘Thank You’
Start small. Encourage your kiddos to say “thank you” for the little things. Whether it’s a playdate, a shared toy, or a simple gesture of kindness, these small expressions build the foundation of gratitude.
Last Easter, my youngest misplaced his beloved teddy at a family gathering. A little friend found it and returned it promptly.
We turned this incident into a gratitude lesson, creating a mini “thank you” basket for the thoughtful buddy. It was heartwarming to see how such a simple act left a lasting impression on my little one.
The “Gratitude Jar”
Create a family gratitude jar. Have everyone drop notes of appreciation for each other throughout the week. Reading these notes together during your Easter dinner adds a sprinkle of warmth to the festivities.
I also LOVE these Easter duck coloring pages – great addition to SEL skills:
What Values Are Important to Teach Kids at Easter?
Easter isn’t just about egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. It’s an opportune time to impart values that go beyond the surface-level sweetness of the season.
1. Kindness
Encourage your little ones to be kind, not just to friends but to everyone around them. A small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, spreading joy like confetti.
2. Sharing is Caring
Easter baskets brimming with goodies are a common sight, but sharing those treats teaches kids the joy of giving. Whether it’s a piece of chocolate or a colorful Easter egg, sharing fosters a sense of generosity.
3. Creativity and Expression
Incorporate creativity into the mix. Easter crafts provide an excellent platform for self-expression. It’s not just about making something cute; it’s about conveying feelings and emotions through art.
Last year, we transformed our kitchen into an Easter egg decorating studio. The kids went wild with glitter, stickers, and paint. As we crafted, we chatted about the people who make our lives brighter. The resulting eggs were a vibrant expression of gratitude, and the process was a blast.
How to Make This Printable Easter Basket Template?
And now, the Printable Easter Basket Template activity that combines craftiness with heartfelt appreciation!
Download the SEL Easter Craft
Click on the image below to download the FREE Easter basket SEL craft
Materials Needed:
– Printable Easter basket template (grab it below)
– Scissors
– Colorful markers or pencils
– Glue or tape
– Construction paper
Step 1: prepare the printable basket
Start by printing the basket printable, have the kids color their basket and then write on the Easter eggs things that the child appreciates in their life.
Step 2: Print on cardstock
Opt for sturdy paper or cardstock to ensure your Easter basket and its accompanying eggs withstand the enthusiastic crafting ahead.
Step 3: Precision Cutting Time
Gather your kiddos around the table with scissors in hand. Cutting out the basket and eggs isn’t just a crafty endeavor; it’s also an exercise in fine motor skills. Plus, who doesn’t love the satisfying snip-snip sound?
Step 4: Let the Creative Juices Flow
Now comes the fun part — decorating! The eggs are like blank canvases you can even have the kids decorate them. Encourage your little ones to let their imaginations run wild. Whether it’s doodles, colors, or even mini portraits, each egg is a tiny masterpiece.
Our egg decorating sessions turned into a full-blown egg-stravaganza. From Easter bunnies to family portraits (albeit abstract ones), our eggs were a kaleidoscope of creativity.
It was amusing to see the unique ways the kids represented the people they were thankful for.
Step 5: Add their names
Using glue or tape, you can have them add the letters of their names, affix those decorated eggs onto the Easter basket. This step symbolizes the interconnected web of relationships that make life oh-so-colorful.
Step 6: Reflect and Share
Before the excitement reaches its peak, take a moment to reflect. Discuss each person represented by the eggs. Share stories, memories, and why they hold a special place in your hearts. It’s a heartwarming exercise that reinforces the spirit of Easter.
4 Free Printable Easter Basket Template Ideas Below
As you head into Easter season, I love using baskets. Here are some more ideas.
Simple Easter Basket Craft
From the author “This is a simple Easter Basket paper craft containing just one flap for children to glue on and open up to reveal a surprise underneath. Templates are in both color and black and white.”
SEL Goals Easter Craft
From the author “This Easter Basket Craft is the perfect SEL craft for your classroom. Students can practice self-love by using positive adjectives and recognizing their strengths with four different prompts. This is also a great activity for reviewing adjectives with your students! Students will love decorating their own Easter baskets and sharing more about themselves to their classmates.”
Build a Basket Spring Craft
This is a great and simple Easter basket template for you add your own images of titles on the eggs.
Basket Writing Easter Craft
From the author: “Looking for a fun and simple Easter craft? This FREE Easter writing project is perfect for primary students! Easy to make and engaging for all ages. Students will simply cut out the basket and eggs, and write great places to hide Easter eggs. Perfect for a spring bulletin board display!”
As you gear up for Easter bunny activities, consider adding this Printable Easter Basket Template to your crafty repertoire.
It’s more than just a craft; it’s a lesson in gratitude, kindness, and creativity. So, let the Easter joy spill over into meaningful connections, colorful expressions, and a whole lot of crafty fun.
Happy Easter crafting, everyone!
