The Kissing Hand Raccoon Craft for Kids (Easy Back-to-School Activity)
If you’ve ever read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, you know why it’s become such a back-to-school classic. Chester Raccoon is nervous about starting school, and his mom gives him a simple reminder that her love goes with him wherever he goes. This easy The Kissing Hand craft is the perfect activity to do after reading the story. It uses your child’s own handprints to create an adorable raccoon face.
Supplies:
White cardstock or construction paper
Gray paint: We use this paint for everything and love it! Bought it 4 years ago and it’s still going strong.
Black construction paper
Pink construction paper (for the nose)
2 large googly eyes
Paintbrush or foam brush
Scissors
Glue
We also love keeping these Art Smocks on hand to keep clothes from getting stained!
Directions:
Step 1: Create the Raccoons Face
Fold a piece of white cardstock or construction paper in half. Open it back up and squeeze or brush a few blobs of gray paint onto one side of the paper. Fold the paper in half again and gently press it closed with your hands. Open it up to reveal a unique, symmetrical raccoon face! Set it aside to dry completely.
Step 2: Trace the Handprints
While the paint dries, trace both of your child’s hands onto black construction paper and cut them out.
Step 3: Create the Ears
Cut two triangle ears from black construction paper.
Step 4: Make the Nose
Cut a small heart from pink construction paper for the raccoon’s nose.
Step 5: Put Together the Face
Glue the handprints onto the painted face with the thumbs pointing inward to create the raccoon’s signature eye mask.
Glue the googly eyes onto the handprints.
Attach the ears to the top corners of the raccoon’s head and glue the pink heart nose in the center. Draw two little hooks below the nose for some character.
Your little raccoon is ready!
Keep the Story Going!
While creating your craft, ask your child the following questions:
Why was Chester feeling nervous?
Has there ever been something new that felt a little scary?
What helped Chester feel brave?
Who helps you feel safe and loved?
What can you remember when you start to miss home?
Start your own Kissing Hand tradition. Before school, preschool, daycare, or any new adventure, kiss the palm of your child’s hand (or draw a tiny heart in it) as a reminder that your love goes with them wherever they go.
We hope you love this craft as much as we did!
XO -Threads Between
Getting ready for the first day? We have more back-to-school favorites to share, from our go-to back-to-school books for kids to easy school lunch ideas and thoughtful gifts for teachers.
