The Kissing Hand crafts are a sweet and creative way to help kids feel comforted and connected as they start a new school year. These back-to-school activities give kids a hands-on project that doubles as a keepsake to remind them of love and support during the day.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn tells the story of Chester the raccoon, who feels nervous about starting school in the forest. To comfort him, his mother shares a special family secret—the Kissing Hand—that he can use whenever he needs reassurance throughout the day.
Here’s a collection of 10 Kissing Hand crafts for kids, offering a variety of ways to make Chester the raccoon with different materials. From simple paper designs to fun paper roll creations, there’s a perfect option for both kids at home and students in the classroom.
This sweet Kissing Hand handprint craft uses a printable raccoon template that kids can cut out and glue onto colorful cardstock. Trace your child’s hand on black paper, add a red paper heart in the center, and attach it to the raccoon for a keepsake that ties perfectly to the story.
A special classroom Kissing Hand keepsake that can be turned into a back-to-school display. I spotted this picture on Pinterest, and there was no link. That means that you would have to create your own page with the title “My First Day” where kids can have their handprints.
While this beautiful handprint with a heart in the middle keepsake is a great craft to make on several special occasions, from Valentine’s Day to Mother’s Day, it can also be a classroom or daycare project for kids after reading “The Kissing Hand” in the first week of school.
Inspired by “The Kissing Hand”, this paper plate craft has your kid’s handprint in the middle and a sweet treat for them – so adorable!
This is such a simple classroom craft. Have kids trace their handprints on white paper, cut them out, and color. At the end, they can glue a little foam heart in the middle.
Make a fun wiggly arm and leg raccoon using the free printable template. Add the handprint on Chester’s belly and a small heart in the middle.
This paper bag raccoon craft is perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners to develop their fine motor skills while creating the cute Chester character.
Making a raccoon mask is a fun craft for kids of all ages. Print the mask, cut it out, and have kids use markers, colored pencils, or crayons to color it.
Bring the story “The Kissing Hand” to life with this adorable paper cup raccoon. Once the paint has dried and all the paper elements, googly eyes and pom pom nose are glued on, you can fill up the cup with small treats.
These paper roll raccoons are incredibly cute and so easy to make. What a fun way to start the new school year with your students!