August has arrived, and with it comes Merdeka month in Malaysia! This is an exciting time as we celebrate 66 years of harmony and unity in our diverse nation.
As Malaysians, we take pride in our identity and it’s crucial to educate our children about the significance of Merdeka. A great way to do this is through engaging kindergarten-friendly art and craft projects.
Not only will these activities develop their fine motor skills, but they will also foster conversations about patriotism and celebrate all things Malaysian.
In this article, we have rounded up 10 easy Merdeka Art and Craft ideas that are perfect for preschoolers, whether you’re a parent or a teacher.
1. Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian Flag) Stamping Art: Teach your child about patriotism and focus with this simple stamping project. Print out the Malaysia flag outline template and prepare washable paint and cotton buds. Let them fill in the flag while you share the history and symbolic meaning behind the flag’s design.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Malaysia flag outline template
- Washable paint
2. Merdeka Pinwheel: This pinwheel is a no-prep craft! Purchase the set and let your child color in the stripes, moon, and star. Their creativity can shine as they paint, color, or stamp, as long as they use the colors of the national flag.
Supplies you’ll need:
3. Merdeka Headpiece: Engage your kindergarten kids with this easy art and craft idea. The headpiece features the Malaysia flag, the hibiscus, and the Twin Towers, providing great talking points for parents and teachers.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Scissors
- Cellophane tape
4. National Day Ribbon: Let your child show their support for National Day by wearing this DIY rosette. Although it looks intricate, it’s relatively easy to make. Cutting the strips of paper and pasting them together might take some time, but parents can join in on the fun!
Supplies you’ll need:
- Colour paper in red and white
- Scissors
- Clear glue
- Blue magic pen
- Yellow and blue coloured pencils
5. Bunga Raya Bookmark: This craft is perfect for kindergarteners who know how to braid or are eager to learn. Start with paper braiding and then proceed to draw the bunga raya (hibiscus flower) or any Malaysian-inspired design. It can be a fun way to personalize their bookmarks.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Colour paper in white and red
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Pencil
6. Merdeka Confetti Popper: Since fireworks are not allowed in Malaysia, this confetti popper is a fantastic alternative to celebrate Merdeka. All you need is a toilet paper tube, a balloon, and cut-up paper confetti. It’s sure to bring some excitement during family time.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Colour paper in white, red, blue, and yellow
- Toilet paper tube
- Scissors
- Blue balloon
- Cellophane tape
- Malaysia flag template
7. Jalur Gemilang Palm: Create a palm fan featuring motifs of the Jalur Gemilang. This craft is perfect for waving during the National Day parade on hot days. To strengthen the palm fan, draw on a thick card stock instead of pasting it onto cardboard.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Marker pens in black, blue, and red
- Coloured pencils
- Cardboard
- Glue
- Scissors
- Popsicle stick
8. Flag Hair Bow: Complete your kindergartener’s National Day outfit with this simple craft. It takes less than 15 minutes to make and can be polished by wrapping a piece of satin ribbon over the rubber band in the center.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Metal French barrette
9. Merdeka Egg Puppet: Engage your kindergarteners with this cute and easy Merdeka-themed art and craft. Adults can help with emptying and cleaning the eggshells while the kids handle the rest. They can cut, paste, draw, and decorate the hat with designs that represent Malaysia. Take it a step further by creating a storyline for the egg puppets, sparking creativity and imagination.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Empty egg shell
- Rice or beans
- Glue
- White paper
- Pencil
- Circle stencil
- Scissors
- Coloured pencils
- Marker pens in black and red
10. Merdeka Butterfly: Create a pretty flag-patterned butterfly for a special little girl. This basic art project involves two layers, creating the illusion of fluttering. Parents may need to assist with drawing the moon and the 14-point star.
Supplies you’ll need:
- White paper
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Coloured pencils
- Glue stick
- Tape
11. Merdeka Tanjak: Recreate the traditional Malay headgear, tanjak, with paper and simple folding techniques. Kids can then draw the Malaysian flag across the front for a patriotic touch.
Supplies you’ll need:
- White paper
- Pencil
- Pen
- Coloured pencils in blue and yellow
- Ruler
- Red marker
12. Woven Bookmark: This practical craft is perfect for kids who love to read. If the measurements and curved lines are too complicated for preschoolers, parents can lend a helping hand. After weaving, the bookmark can be decorated with marker pens.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Red and white coloured paper
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue
- Black and blue marker pens
- Hole puncher
- Masking tape
13. Jalur Gemilang Basket: Looking for something different yet easy to make? This Merdeka-themed basket is a great project for preschoolers. It’s a creative way to reuse plastic bottles and provides a cute vessel for storing small items and candies during the Merdeka month.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Black and red coloured paper
- Empty plastic bottle
- Glue stick
- Marker
- Cutter
Make the month of August special for your kindergarteners by trying these Merdeka art and craft activities with them.
Along the way, you can incorporate bite-sized history lessons about our country’s independence and the national flag or flower. By the end of it, your children will have a memento to remember and a deeper understanding of their birthplace.
Don’t forget to support local products and show some love to Malaysian foodie, gadgets, fashion & beauty, travel, and tech brands.
We all wish you a Happy Merdeka to you and your family!
