This Fireflies Friendship Craft for Kids is such a fun and meaningful activity. It’s a hands-on way to help kids talk about and work on a positive project.
With this simple printable template and basic craft supplies, your children can create their own jar of kindness with a good friend theme. The craft is perfect for homeschool, classrooms, playdates, or quiet afternoons at home. Use this craftivity to start great conversations about friendship, connection, and more!
A Frugal and Fun Way to Talk About Friendship
This firefly craft was inspired by a simple summer moment with my younger boys.
A few years ago, we were outside one warm evening taking our dog for a walk when the night sky lit up with gorgeous fireflies (or lightning bugs – that’s what I called them growing up!). The boys were completely mesmerized. One of them wanted to catch a few in a jar so we could watch them glow up close.
But, the other immediately got upset.
“Oh no! They’ll miss their other firefly friends too much!”
And I had a lightbulb moment! It felt like the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hands-on activity all about friendship, kindness, and caring about others.
And that’s how this Fireflies Friendship Craft came to be. It’s a creative “jar of fireflies” that lets kids explore what it means to be a good friend while making something bright and beautiful together.
How This Fireflies Craft Builds Friendship Skills
Hands-on activities are a wonderful way to help kids understand big ideas like friendship, kindness, and empathy.
As children create this glowing fireflies jar, they’re introduced to positive friendship traits such as being kind, caring, helpful, and loyal. These types of words give kids simple ways to think about how they treat others and how they want to be treated.
This craft also encourages:
- Kindness & empathy: talking about how actions and words affect others
- Emotional awareness: recognizing what makes someone feel happy, safe, or included
- Connection & communication: sharing stories about friends and practicing positive social skills
- Positive choices: thinking about ways to be a good friend each day
Suggested Supplies You’ll Need for This Project
I love how this Fireflies Friendship Craft uses simple, budget-friendly supplies you may already have at home or in the classroom. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fireflies Friendship printable template (free instant download)
- Scissors
- Hole punch (for creating the glowing firefly tails)
- Yellow tissue paper (to make the fireflies glow)
- Glue stick
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
That’s it! A few basic materials turn into a meaningful craft that’s full of creativity and connection.
How to Make This Friendship Fireflies Craft for Kids
Cut out jar and fireflies.
Cut out the jar shape from the printable and set it aside. Cut out the fireflies from the printable.
Add hole and yellow tissue paper.
Use a hole punch to punch a hole in the tail section of each firefly. Cut small pieces of tissue paper. Glue a piece to the back of each firefly, covering the hole to create a glowing effect.
Add details to fireflies and jar.
Color the firefly wings and draw on eyes or other details. Glue the fireflies onto the jar shape, arranging them as if they are flying inside the jar.
Add friendship words and positive message.
Glue the friendship labels onto the firefly. Use the blank labels to make your own. Use a yellow crayon or marker to draw glowing lines coming from the tail of the firefly, making them look like they are shining. Write a message on the lid of the jar, such as “Friends make life brighter.”
Friendship Reflection Prompts for Kids
Easily add a social-emotional learning twist to this craft with these questions and things to think about:
- What makes someone a good friend?
- How do friends help make your day brighter?
- Can you think of a time a friend was kind or helpful to you?
- How can you be a good friend today?
- How do you feel when someone includes you or helps you?
- What friendship word on your fireflies is your favorite? Why?
You can keep the conversation short and sweet or let it grow naturally. There’s no right or wrong way. Even a few minutes of talking together can help kids better understand emotions, kindness, and positive relationships.
A Simple Craft That Makes Friendship Shine
This Fireflies Friendship Craft is a fun and meaningful way to help kids explore kindness, connection, and what it truly means to be a good friend – all while creating something bright and beautiful together.
With simple supplies, free printable template, and lots of room for creativity, you can enjoy a delightful project that will make a big difference for your students.
Grab the free Fireflies Friendship printable and enjoy a sweet moment of learning, laughter, and connection with your kids because friends really do make life brighter!
