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Craft Projects and Kits for Preteen Boys Age 9-12
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items Does your preteen need a break from all things digital? I'm always trying to think of activities my preteen (age 10) twin grandsons can do at my house to give them a break from their video games or iPads. Here are 9 projects that are sure to capture their attention and allow you to spend some great time together. We have personally done the cars, maze, and will be trying the pencil project next. (No, these projects are not exclusive to boys. Girls would love them too!)
Sections
6
Build & Paint Projects
STEM Projects
3-D Puzzle Projects
Wood Burning Projects
Thinking Outside the Box Projects
Some Supplies for Paper Plate Maze
Build & Paint Projects
If you want to encourage and nurture skills like hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and imagination in your preteen, these build-and-paint projects are an engaging, easy way to challenge them. They include easy-to-follow instructions and, once finished, can provide a refreshing digital break if needed. I also included some tips for using the kits and any assembly videos that were available.
This project will encourage your preteen to practice hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. It includes 10 paint colors (each in its own paint tub) and sheets of stickers they can use to personalize the cars (good for imagination and self-expression). The wheels actually move on these. This can be a great activity for a birthday party!
3-Piece DIY Wooden Build & Paint Race Cars for Ages 8+
I found this step-by-step video for assembling the dirt bike (for visual people)! But the kit comes with separate, illustrated, step-by-step instruction guides for each car, so they are really easy for kids to assemble. Just a heads up, several tiny parts could be choking hazards. Unless you are supervising, I don't recommend this project for someone younger than 10.
Instructions & Tips: 3-Piece DIY Wooden Build & Paint Race Cars
Like the race car kit, this project is good for practicing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. The best part is that you can use this project as a teaching moment to help your preteen learn the different types of airplanes and their par... The kit includes small parts that are choking hazards, so I don't recommend it for unsupervised small children.
4-Piece DIY Wooden Build & Paint Airplanes for Ages 8+
STEM Projects
STEM activities are good for preteens because it helps them with the need to turn abstract ideas and concepts they have learned so far in the classroom into something tangible. And its a way to make STEM subjects, like science in this case, more enga...
This Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System is a Build & Paint STEM project from National Geographic. The arms of the model are movable, so kids can position the planets any way they want. Besides regular paint, the kit has glow-in-the-dark paint that they can use as accents to create the glow-in-the-dark effect. The kit includes a booklet with fun facts about each planet and the sun, so it's fun AND educational.
National Geographic Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Kit
This Crystal Forest Growing Kit is a STEM activity from National Geographic. It will help you get your preteen excited to learn about the science and use of crystals. It's fun, interesting, and also a unique, hands-on-learning experience.
National Geographic STEM Crystal Forest Growing Kit
3-D Puzzle Projects
If you want to get your preteen interested in puzzles, 3-D puzzles might be the answer. They're a great way to encourage concentration and the use of their cognitive and problem-solving skills. After your preteen puts the clock that's on this list together, they get to use it every day to wake up!
This 3-D possible is part of a series from National Geographic. Its a replica of the Notre Dame de Paris Church located in Paris France that is well-known for its amazing architecture and stunning rose windows. It includes an illustrated guide so it can be a quick and fun way for preteens to learn a little histor...
Arts & Crafts 3D Puzzle for Kids Age 9 to 14
Regular 2D puzzles require you to match colors and fit edges. 3D puzzles can offer even more of a challenge for your preteen because they require them to use their spatial reasoning. They need interpret shapes, visualize and manipulate the pieces/objects to complete the puzzle. These are skills that can help with STEM. This kit includes step-by-step visual and written instructions for assembling the puzzle. You need to gauge the ability of your preteen to do this project on their own or with some assistance.
Instructions & Tips for the Arts & Crafts 3D Puzzle
This 3-D puzzle is not only fun and simple, it transforms into a fully functional lamp. Your preteen will feel accomplished after assembling their own night light. It comes with detailed instructions and I have included a link to a video that illustrates how easy it is to assemble. No extra tools needed.
Superman - DIY 3D Wooden Puzzle Night Lamp
Wood Burning Projects
Here is an opportunity to get your preteen interested in an art form that's been around for centuries. Wood burning is the ancient art of decorating wood by burning designs into its surface using special heated tools. This kit contains everything needed, down to the sandpaper.
This wood-burning kit is pretty kid-friendly. There are 5 easy plaque projects kids can try, and it even includes 2 practice wood pieces. The kit has 20 paint colors to choose from and 10 traceable design templates, so your preteen doesn't have to stress about coming up with a design. It's a great way to help them get the hang of wood burning. (Since the tool is hot, supervision may be needed for younger kids).
ArtSkills Deluxe Wood Burning Kit for Beginners
This video unpacks everything in the box and gives great tips for using the kit. Take a look so you will know what to expect and can decide if it's right for your preteen. Unpacking ArtSkills Deluxe Wood Burning Kit
Video for Using ArtSkills Deluxe Wood Burning Kit for Beginners
This is a wood-burning kit for beginners, so great for your preteens (9-12) to get them interested in this craft. It includes wood templates to create their own original paintings, picture frames, charm items, or a plaque they could use to decorate their bedroom door. The kit has EVERYTHING they need to complete the projects (paint, pencils, step-by-step instructions, 5 different wood burning tool tips). Its a good way for my twin grandsons to express their individuality. Because a heated tool is being used, supervision may be needed for younger kids.
Craft Culture Wood Burning Kit for Kids
Completing projects in the wood-burning kit includes just 3 steps. 1. First, your teen would use the pencils to trace a design using any of the templates included in the kit, or they can create their own original design. 2. Second, they would use the tool to burn their design into the wood. 3. Lastly, they would use the watercolor paint and brush from the kit to decorate their project. The kit also includes tips on when to use each burning tip.
Tips for Using Craft Culture Wood Burning Kit for Kids
The technical name for wood burning is “Pyrography.” It comes from the Greek words for "fire" and "writing." Pyrography involves using electrically heated, metal-tipped pens to create permanent images or writings on wood. It allows for endless creativity. Here is a helpful video: Beginners Guide to Wood Burning: Pyrography BASICS
A Brief History of Wood Burning: Pyrography
Thinking Outside the Box Projects
These projects encourage your preteens to literally think outside the box. Instead of using a pre-packed product, they are challenged to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to complete these projects. You can help them invest as little or as much time and effort as they want. Your preteen is sure to enjoy both of these.
What kid doesn't like a good maze game? This project is great because making it encourages the use of STEM skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning. The activity was created by Raisinglifelonglearners.com. You can find the project instructions with the link. The challenge: create a maze that uses a marble, fits inside a paper plate, and doesn't break when it's being used.
Design A Paper Plate Maze Challenge
If you're a parent/grandparent of Harry Potter fans, they might find this project fun. It's a DIY Harry Potter Pencil Wand. I've included a link to the tutorial, which has a list of all products needed to make your own unique wands. Because it's something they will want to use after creating, it's a great way to encourage kids to keep up with their pencils for school. The tutorial is a Pinterest post by SistersWhat: DIY Harry Potter Pencil Wands
DIY Harry Potter Pencil Wands
Some Supplies for Paper Plate Maze
Some of the supplies for this project are probably already in your home. But for those you might not keep around on a daily basis, here is a short recommendation list for where you can find them.
Tacky glue is suggested for the paper plate challenge because it works better with craft surfaces that are similar to the paper plate.
Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue for Maze Challenge
These small marbles would be good for use in the Maze Challenge because steel bearing balls may be too heavy for the paper plates.
Marbles for Maze Challenge
The bright neon colors will make the project construction even more engaging and fun.
Neon Flexi Straws for Paper Plate Maze Challenge