• Special needs children can be very creative.need to think image by Kushnirov Avraham from Fotolia.com
  
  Special needs children have the ability to be imaginative with crafting. These kids simply need the right type of stimulation to express themselves and create artistic crafts. Crafts that are too complex will only frustrate a child with an impairment. Yet special needs children still desire creative crafts that are fun to do. Most crafts can be modified to be more simple or elaborate depending on the skills of the child.
  
  

Paper Plate Animal Faces

• Special needs children often enjoy learning about nature and the animals found in the wild. This craft is an excellent compliment to a lesson about animals in Africa. The materials needed are paper plates, markers or crayons and construction paper. The kids can select the animal of their choice, such as a frog, lion or giraffe. Encourage the kids to color the plate to match the coat colors of the animal. For instance, if the child selects a frog the background color of the plate might be green. The kids can color on the eyes and other features.
  
  If the child has a severe disability you may need to help him make the shapes of the eyes. They will still learn a lot, even if you do the craft with them. Help the child cut out the animal's ears with construction paper and glue them on. Other features like whiskers or fur on the head can be added on a lion face.
  
  

Painting Rocks

• Painting rocks is another craft idea for special needs children. Encourage the children to choose rocks that are about the size of their hand or slightly larger. If there are no rocks in your area, go to your local plant nursery to buy rocks. The only materials needed are rocks and paint. Wash the rocks for the children and dry them off with a towel.
  
  Encourage the children to paint the rocks different colors, or if they are able, ask them to paint designs like flowers or lady bugs. There are several levels of special needs and some children will only be able to paint their rocks solid colors while others will be able to paint more sophisticated designs.
  
  

Fruit Rings Necklace

• A necklace made from fruit ring cereal is a simple craft that special needs children can enjoy. The materials needed are string and fruit ring cereal. Adults should place the fruit rings in a bowl where the children can select the colors they like to make their necklace. Caregivers can help children place fruit ring cereal pieces on the string. When the necklaces are finished the children can wear them and eat the cereal later. This craft is ideal for children who need to improve their motor skills.