You know what really terrifies me? Spiders. I fully admit this is irrational and spiders are an important part of our ecosystem and yet… there is just something about those eight legs that creeps me out! Whether you are an arachnophile or an arachnophobe, Halloween is the perfect time to make spider crafts with kids!
- Weave a Paper Plate and Yarn Spider Web at Naturally Educational: This was our spider craft last year!
- Hula hoop Spider Web at Creativity My Passion: I love projects that play with scale!
- Handprint Spiders, Marble Paint Webs & Learning Fun at Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas: A combination of two classic spider crafts!
- Pipe Cleaner Yarn Spiders at Make and Takes: We’ve always just used pom poms but I love this idea from Make and Takes to wind yarn for the spider’s body! Plus what a cute game idea!
- Spider webs from coffee filters – The Artful Parent and DIY: Spiderweb Kirigami at Omiyage Blogs: Just like snowflakes…but creepier!
My pick for a spider picture book:
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle. Eric Carle’s whimsical illustrations are a delight as always. Each animal in the barnyard asks the spider to join in for the day’s fun but the spider is too busy spinning her web. The toddlers love calling out the animal sounds and the repetitive structure of the story.
Educational Connections:
- Science: Spiders are a great way to introduce classification. Spiders are not insects, what are they? How are arachnids different from insects? How do entomologists categorize different spiders (spinning / weaving spiders versus hunting spiders)?
- Science / Technology: How do spiders spin their webs? Why are engineers trying to find ways to use spider silk in human technology?
- Ecology: What role do spiders play in the ecosystem?
- Literature / History: Read the Greek legend of Arachne. Why did Athena turn Arachne into a spider?
- Geography (for older kids): Make a map of spiders. Where do the most species of spider live? Where do the largest spiders live? Which spiders have venom that is dangerous to humans and where do they live?
thank you for mentioning & linking to our spider craft. Great ideas shared – I have never done the coffee filter cutting ones. Fun idea.
Bern