Starters Crafts (Pre-A1)
37 printable crafts · Starters (pre-A1)
Start here — 10 free samples
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Starters crafts
All 37, most used first.
About Starters crafts
Craft activities suit Starters learners perfectly because children at this stage learn through doing. Making an animal mask, a finger puppet or a color-by-word picture gives repeated, natural practice of Starters words: colors, animals, the body, food, toys and simple classroom instructions such as cut, color, stick and draw.
Templates are simple, with large shapes to cut and clear pictures. Instructions are short and use imperatives children can follow by watching you. Each craft finishes with a speaking task, such as 'I'm a lion. I've got a big mouth' with a mask, or a puppet dialogue using hello, my name is and I can.
Print on A4 or US Letter, or download as PDF. Card is best for puppets and masks.
Teaching tips: Starters crafts
- Hold up each color and say it before children choose their pencils, so coloring becomes vocabulary practice.
- Use simple instruction words consistently every time: cut, fold, color, stick and draw.
- Prepare a finished example so children can see the end result before they start.
- Finish with a short parade or puppet show where each child says one sentence.
Questions teachers ask
How long does a Starters craft take?
Most take 15 to 25 minutes, including the speaking task at the end. Pre-cut parts for younger children if you are short of time.
Do children need to read the instructions?
No. You demonstrate each step and say the instruction aloud; the words on the template are there for support.
What language do the crafts practice?
Starters vocabulary such as colors, animals and body parts, plus structures like I've got, I can and this is.