Whether it’s learning times tables, understanding the human body, or practising pencil grip, many parents are looking for ways to support their children’s learning at home -without adding more pressure after a long day.
That’s where crafting comes in. Not just as a rainy-day distraction, but as a hands-on, curriculum-supporting learning tool.
“We’re seeing more and more parents using craft kits as a way to reinforce what their children are learning at school, but in a fun and pressure-free way,” says Chanelle Smith, Social Media Manager at Baker Ross, a leading online arts and crafts shop. “It’s about learning through doing, and kids respond to that brilliantly.”
Why Craft and Curriculum Go Hand-in-Hand
Craft has always had educational value, but today’s kits take things further. The Curricular Crafts range from Baker Ross is designed to support key curriculum areas like Science, Literacy, and Maths while catering to a range of learning styles and abilities.
“Using a craft-based approach to learning makes abstract concepts feel real,” Chanelle explains. “For instance, children can explore the life cycle of a frog in a tactile and memorable way using sticker story wheels. They can also grasp early mathematical ideas like symmetry by using wipe-clean lattice drawing boards, which feature simple animal and object outlines – perfect for mirror-based activities that turn a visual pattern into a hands-on discovery.”
Crafty Literacy Ideas:
- Create a bookmark or story wheel to summarise a finished book.
- Use themed kits (e.g. pirates or dinosaurs) to spark creative writing.
Maths-Friendly Craft Ideas:
- Sort small objects by colour or shape in a tray, then count or graph the results.
- Write numbers in coloured sand using fingers or tools.
Science Fun:
- Fill a tray with water and test which craft items (pom poms, sticks, buttons) sink or float.
- Try the rain cloud experiment: water, shaving foam, and blue food colouring. There’s a how-to video on the Baker Ross free craft hub: bakerross.co.uk/craft-ideas.
Great for Pre-Schoolers and SEND Families
Craft is especially useful for families of children with special educational needs (SEND). It supports sensory learning, builds confidence and encourages independence. “We design many kits with visual learners in mind,” Chanelle says. “Colour-coded pieces, simple steps and repetition really help.”
SEND-Friendly Crafting Tips:
- Use jumbo tweezers or chunky marker to support fine motor skills.
- Stick to visual instructions or model the first step.
- Reduce decision overwhelm by offering 2–3 materials at a time.
- Use the same tray or setup each time to create a comforting routine.
- Explore texture-rich crafts using felt, sand, foil or cotton wool.
5 Quick Craft Wins for Busy Parents:
- Prep ahead: Lay out materials the night before.
- Reuse trays: One tuff tray can be used for sensory play, maths games or storytelling.
- Printables save time: Use free themed printables to guide learning.
- Add audio: Use music oraudiobooks to create a multi-sensory experience.
- Use craft kits as screen break tools: Perfect for transitions between digital and hands-on play.
Craft isn’t just about glitter and glue. It’s a powerful tool for learning, discovery, and growth. Whether it’s understanding how the heart works, sequencing a story, or sorting colourful pom poms, creative play offers children an exciting, hands-on way to engage with the world around them.
Visit bakerross.co.uk to discover curriculum-supporting craft kits and to download free educational printables.
