Craft Ideas and Recipes for a Great Classroom
Hello, As a Preschool Director I know how hard it can be to find new craft art ideas that really suited for today's teacher. You are very busy, I know that; which is why I have compiled terrific ideas from many different sources. I have not seperated them by age, because we all know that one child that really likes a challenge, or one who isn't quite ready for the scissors just yet. i have other craft ideas and recipes on this site as well. keep up the hard work educating our children.
NEW WEBSITE IS HERE!!
I have opened a new website called The Preschool Director. It feature's many more ideas, plus a place for parents, teachers and directors alike to ask questions.Would you like to know more?
Just drop me at line and ask.
Send emails to Marilyn and be sure to put "Add me to your mailing list" in the Subject line.
What till you see this new site. Can't wait to see you there.
Marilyn
If you cannot use the email link above, you can also go here.
rhythm sticks
Rhythm sticks
Pass out 2 rhythm sticks to each child and sit in a circle. Next, have each child tap out their own name in rhythm. Then the remainder of the group does it with them. This helps develop basic syllable concepts.
Pass out 2 rhythm sticks to each child and sit in a circle. Next, have each child tap out their own name in rhythm. Then the remainder of the group does it with them. This helps develop basic syllable concepts.
musical hoola hoop
Musical hula hoops
This is a variation of musical chairs, except that no one is OUT of the game. Place several large hula-hoops around the area. Explain to the children that they will walk around the hula-hoops. When the music stops, they all need to be in a hula hoop and there can be more than one child in a hoop. Each time you stop the music and the children are in the hoops, have them start walking around them again, but this time remove one hoop. Continue until there is only one hoop left. The children will all work together to make sure all the friends get in the hoop when the music stops.
This is a variation of musical chairs, except that no one is OUT of the game. Place several large hula-hoops around the area. Explain to the children that they will walk around the hula-hoops. When the music stops, they all need to be in a hula hoop and there can be more than one child in a hoop. Each time you stop the music and the children are in the hoops, have them start walking around them again, but this time remove one hoop. Continue until there is only one hoop left. The children will all work together to make sure all the friends get in the hoop when the music stops.
Goop
GOOP
This mixture is fun because it seems both wet and dry at the same time.
1. In a bowl, add one box (16 oz.) of cornstarch.
2. Let your children add water to the dry cornstarch a little at a time.
3. Have children mix the ingredients together with their hands.
4. Place the mixture on a large cookie sheet with sides.
5. Let your children experiment with the mixture. What can it do, what can it not do?
Variation: Add a few drops of food coloring into the mixture, if desired.
This mixture is fun because it seems both wet and dry at the same time.
1. In a bowl, add one box (16 oz.) of cornstarch.
2. Let your children add water to the dry cornstarch a little at a time.
3. Have children mix the ingredients together with their hands.
4. Place the mixture on a large cookie sheet with sides.
5. Let your children experiment with the mixture. What can it do, what can it not do?
Variation: Add a few drops of food coloring into the mixture, if desired.
Parachute play
Parachute play for 2
Most parachutes are large and light, requiring many children too use it effectively. Sometimes just a few children want to play parachute but can't be successful at it. At the home improvement stores, in the paint area, tarps are sold in a variety of sizes and colors. Even 2 children can grab the ends, throw balls on it and shake away
Most parachutes are large and light, requiring many children too use it effectively. Sometimes just a few children want to play parachute but can't be successful at it. At the home improvement stores, in the paint area, tarps are sold in a variety of sizes and colors. Even 2 children can grab the ends, throw balls on it and shake away
corn syrup paint
Corn Syrup Paint
Materials
Corn syrup
Food coloring
Heavy duty paper plates
Disposable plastic cups
1. pour the corn syrup into the disposable plastic cups
2. add food coloring to the corn syrup, stirring until mixed thoroughly.
When the corn syrup dries, it makes a translucent design. This is very messy.
Materials
Corn syrup
Food coloring
Heavy duty paper plates
Disposable plastic cups
1. pour the corn syrup into the disposable plastic cups
2. add food coloring to the corn syrup, stirring until mixed thoroughly.
When the corn syrup dries, it makes a translucent design. This is very messy.
sidewalk paint recipe
Sidewalk paint
Materials
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup water
7 drops of food coloring
1. Mix the cornstarch and cold water together
2. add food coloring and stir
This paint can be easily washed off with water and is great for painting large areas.
Materials
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup water
7 drops of food coloring
1. Mix the cornstarch and cold water together
2. add food coloring and stir
This paint can be easily washed off with water and is great for painting large areas.
draw the music
Draw the music
Have the children lay on the floor on their tummy, making sure they cannot touch each other. Put a large piece of newsprint paper in front of each child, with a handful of crayons. Tell the children you are going to put on 3 types of music. Slow, medium and fast. They are asked to draw what they hear and full. No talking. The art work turns out vibrant, colorful and creative.
Have the children lay on the floor on their tummy, making sure they cannot touch each other. Put a large piece of newsprint paper in front of each child, with a handful of crayons. Tell the children you are going to put on 3 types of music. Slow, medium and fast. They are asked to draw what they hear and full. No talking. The art work turns out vibrant, colorful and creative.
face paint recipe
Face Paint #1
Materials
1 tsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. water
½ tsp. cold cream
food coloring
Mix cornstarch and cold cream together until smooth. Mix in water and food coloring. Use a small brush to paint designs on the children's faces. Store in an airtight container.
Materials
1 tsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. water
½ tsp. cold cream
food coloring
Mix cornstarch and cold cream together until smooth. Mix in water and food coloring. Use a small brush to paint designs on the children's faces. Store in an airtight container.
Fly Swatter Painting
Fly Swatter Painting
Should be done outside with children wearing old clothes and a smock.
Ingredients
Plastic fly swatters
Assorted colors of paint in plates
Butcher paper
Dip the fly swatter in their choice of paint
Now have children "swat" the paper. This will create wonderful designs on the paper.
Should be done outside with children wearing old clothes and a smock.
Ingredients
Plastic fly swatters
Assorted colors of paint in plates
Butcher paper
Dip the fly swatter in their choice of paint
Now have children "swat" the paper. This will create wonderful designs on the paper.
instant finger paint
Materials
Shaving cream
Tempera paint
Paper or the top of a table
Spray shaving cream on your table top or on each child's paper. Add a few drops of liquid tempera paint and you have made instant finger paint.
Shaving cream
Tempera paint
Paper or the top of a table
Spray shaving cream on your table top or on each child's paper. Add a few drops of liquid tempera paint and you have made instant finger paint.
Bubble idea
Bubble idea
Taking a plastic container; for instance a yogurt container, with a lid. Make two holes on top. One is inserted with a straw and the other is left open. Put bubble solution in the cup and cover. Let the children blow through the straw and watch the bubbles pour out over the top of the cup down the sides and onto a piece of art paper.
By adding food coloring in the cup, you can change the color of the bubbles.
(remember that for children who still have a tendency to suck IN to straws and do not know how to blow OUT of straws, pierce the straw with a needle, creating a hole about 1 inch down from the top so the bubble mixture will not come back into their mouth)
Taking a plastic container; for instance a yogurt container, with a lid. Make two holes on top. One is inserted with a straw and the other is left open. Put bubble solution in the cup and cover. Let the children blow through the straw and watch the bubbles pour out over the top of the cup down the sides and onto a piece of art paper.
By adding food coloring in the cup, you can change the color of the bubbles.
(remember that for children who still have a tendency to suck IN to straws and do not know how to blow OUT of straws, pierce the straw with a needle, creating a hole about 1 inch down from the top so the bubble mixture will not come back into their mouth)
Biocolor fun
Spray shaving cream on a tray for each child. Add many different colors of Biocolor paint and using a paint brush dribble it across the shaving cream. Let children stir the shaving cream to mix the colors, use a paint brush or craft stick. When the child is ready, lay a piece of white water-color paper and have child press it gently down onto the cream. Lift carefully, scrape off the excess shaving cream and see the marbled paper underneath.
An alternative to this would be to mix one cup of glue into the shaving cream in a separate bowl, use a spoon to plop down the shaving cream and ask the child to add the Biocolor paint to the cream, mix colors together and place paper gently onto the cream. Instead of scraping off the extra cream, leave it on the paper, and it will dry in the shapes that are formed when the paper is lifted. Be careful though, it will be delicate to the touch.
An alternative to this would be to mix one cup of glue into the shaving cream in a separate bowl, use a spoon to plop down the shaving cream and ask the child to add the Biocolor paint to the cream, mix colors together and place paper gently onto the cream. Instead of scraping off the extra cream, leave it on the paper, and it will dry in the shapes that are formed when the paper is lifted. Be careful though, it will be delicate to the touch.
Squishy Art
Squishy Art
Take a piece of construction paper and fold it in half. Open it back up. Have the child place small drops of paint on the paper, refold and have children use a body part to squish the paint around. An elbow, knee, chin, fingers, foot, toes. Even do it to the song, "hokey pokey". Open it back up, mount with a contrasting colored paper and hang on the wall.
Take a piece of construction paper and fold it in half. Open it back up. Have the child place small drops of paint on the paper, refold and have children use a body part to squish the paint around. An elbow, knee, chin, fingers, foot, toes. Even do it to the song, "hokey pokey". Open it back up, mount with a contrasting colored paper and hang on the wall.
portioned Painting for Older Children
Portioned painting for older children
Mix/ shake or stir together:
2 teaspoons corn starch
2 teaspoons white vinegar
20 drops of food coloring (be careful as this will stain)
This makes an individual portion for painting with - good for mixing primary colors together, sharing with friends.
Mix/ shake or stir together:
2 teaspoons corn starch
2 teaspoons white vinegar
20 drops of food coloring (be careful as this will stain)
This makes an individual portion for painting with - good for mixing primary colors together, sharing with friends.
Magnet Painting
Magnet Painting
Set a shallow box on top of 4 blocks. Put paper inside box. Put 3 spoon fulls of different colored paint on it, into the box. Place magnet balls, paper clips and other metal items in box. Have the child put the magnet end of a bar magnet under the box This will move the items and move the paint around. The children will be amazed that they are painting with no brushes.
Set a shallow box on top of 4 blocks. Put paper inside box. Put 3 spoon fulls of different colored paint on it, into the box. Place magnet balls, paper clips and other metal items in box. Have the child put the magnet end of a bar magnet under the box This will move the items and move the paint around. The children will be amazed that they are painting with no brushes.
Placemats
Placemats
This would be for children who no longer chew their toys
Foam sheets now come in 9 x 12 sheets and a wide variety of colors. The children can decorate the placemats with tempera or acrylic paints to their own desire. You can even use cookie cutters on them to create different patterns. For instance, A circle cookie cutter where the milk cup should be. Plate and utensil stencils can also be used if the child desires. By using acrylic paints the placemats are washable and bleachable, as well as easily replaceable.
This would be for children who no longer chew their toys
Foam sheets now come in 9 x 12 sheets and a wide variety of colors. The children can decorate the placemats with tempera or acrylic paints to their own desire. You can even use cookie cutters on them to create different patterns. For instance, A circle cookie cutter where the milk cup should be. Plate and utensil stencils can also be used if the child desires. By using acrylic paints the placemats are washable and bleachable, as well as easily replaceable.
Flubber Recipe
FLUBBER
This recipe will make individual packets of flubber.
1. Put 3 tablespoons of water into a zip loc bag.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of white Elmer's glue, not school glue.
3. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of Borax.
4. Have children mix the ingredients will in the bag.
5. Remove mixture from the bag and shape it into a ball.
6. If the mixture is too sticky, have the child roll the mixture in a little bit of Borax.
7. Your child will be able to stretch and shape this mixture.
8. You can also bounce the flubber or use it to pick up colored pictures from the comics.
This recipe will make individual packets of flubber.
1. Put 3 tablespoons of water into a zip loc bag.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of white Elmer's glue, not school glue.
3. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of Borax.
4. Have children mix the ingredients will in the bag.
5. Remove mixture from the bag and shape it into a ball.
6. If the mixture is too sticky, have the child roll the mixture in a little bit of Borax.
7. Your child will be able to stretch and shape this mixture.
8. You can also bounce the flubber or use it to pick up colored pictures from the comics.
Easy clean-up tip
Easy clean upKnowing how children love shaving cream on tables, we also know how time consuming it is to clean up. An easy clean up method is to used a Styrofoam cup and swirl it on top of the shaving cream on the table. The Styrofoam acts like a magnet attracting the cream to it so you can just toss it out and wipe the table easily.
Art props
Art props
Use different art props when children are painting at the easel
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Craft sticks
Sponges
Spray bottles
Balloons with small amounts of water in them (for 3 years ols and above)
Cookie cutters
Tennis balls
Rubber balls
String
Yarn
Clothes line
Slotted spoons
Plastic forks
Use different art props when children are painting at the easel
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Craft sticks
Sponges
Spray bottles
Balloons with small amounts of water in them (for 3 years ols and above)
Cookie cutters
Tennis balls
Rubber balls
String
Yarn
Clothes line
Slotted spoons
Plastic forks
Coffee Filter Butterfly
Coffee filter ButterflyTake clear film containers, which most film development stores are eager to give you, and place about 6 drops of paint into it. Add equal amounts of water to it and cover it tightly with the lid. Shake. Put a pin hole into the lid with a paper clip.
Take a coffee filter and lay it flat on newspaper to absorb extra mixture that goes through the filter. The child then shakes the film canister upside down, dropping several drops of paint on the filter. Of course, many colors should be used.
After it has dried use a pipe cleaner to wrap the middle together and what is created is a beautiful butterfly.
Michelangelo Art
Michelangelo Art
Ingredients
Paper
Crayons
Markers
Imagination
Procedure
Michelangelo painted his pictures upside down. Before children arrive tape paper under the tables, either individually or long butcher paper. At art time provide crayons and markers for children to use as they lay on their backs under the table.
Ingredients
Paper
Crayons
Markers
Imagination
Procedure
Michelangelo painted his pictures upside down. Before children arrive tape paper under the tables, either individually or long butcher paper. At art time provide crayons and markers for children to use as they lay on their backs under the table.
puffy paint recipe
Puffy Paint
Materials
Flour
Salt
Water
Food coloring
Squeeze bottles
1. Measure out equal parts of flour, salt, and water
2. Add the food coloring to the water
3. Mix all 3 ingredients together
4. Pour into squeeze bottles
5. Have the children squeeze the mixture out onto heavy paper. When it dries it is raised up and it sparkles.
Materials
Flour
Salt
Water
Food coloring
Squeeze bottles
1. Measure out equal parts of flour, salt, and water
2. Add the food coloring to the water
3. Mix all 3 ingredients together
4. Pour into squeeze bottles
5. Have the children squeeze the mixture out onto heavy paper. When it dries it is raised up and it sparkles.
Preschool Art Museum
Preschool Art Museum
Materials
Boxes
Tempera paint
Art work collected throughout the year tape
Procedure
Throughout the year collect the art work of the children. Instead of putting them in their portfolio for conference time, create an art museum for the parents to visit. Have the children paint the inside of the boxes with tempera paint. The boxes can be individual sized for one photo or large appliance boxes to hold several pieces of art work at a time. When the paint is dry simply tape the art in the box for special display.
Materials
Boxes
Tempera paint
Art work collected throughout the year tape
Procedure
Throughout the year collect the art work of the children. Instead of putting them in their portfolio for conference time, create an art museum for the parents to visit. Have the children paint the inside of the boxes with tempera paint. The boxes can be individual sized for one photo or large appliance boxes to hold several pieces of art work at a time. When the paint is dry simply tape the art in the box for special display.
Glue Bottle Substitute
Glue bottle substitute
Pour glue into the bottom of egg cartons to reduce the children who make "puddles" when they glue. Each child can receive one of the containers to eliminate sharing wars. As time goes by and the children develop better hand strength, they can be re-introduced to the bottles of glue.
A variation of this is to fill the individual egg carton with glue and go on a nature walk. Each child can gather what they wish and make a sculpture immediately.
Pour glue into the bottom of egg cartons to reduce the children who make "puddles" when they glue. Each child can receive one of the containers to eliminate sharing wars. As time goes by and the children develop better hand strength, they can be re-introduced to the bottles of glue.
A variation of this is to fill the individual egg carton with glue and go on a nature walk. Each child can gather what they wish and make a sculpture immediately.
Stained Glass Windows
Items needed:
Iron, wax paper, old crayons, old towels, and a grater (vegetable)
Using old crayons, shave with the vegetable grater. Cut 2 pieces of wax paper in any shape the child wishes.
1. Place the crayon shavings between the two pieces of wax paper
2. Place on an old towel.
3. with the iron set on low, place the iron on the wax paper moving it quickly back and forth until crayons melt.
4. Hang the finished shapes in the window.
Change the colors for the seasons.
Iron, wax paper, old crayons, old towels, and a grater (vegetable)
Using old crayons, shave with the vegetable grater. Cut 2 pieces of wax paper in any shape the child wishes.
1. Place the crayon shavings between the two pieces of wax paper
2. Place on an old towel.
3. with the iron set on low, place the iron on the wax paper moving it quickly back and forth until crayons melt.
4. Hang the finished shapes in the window.
Change the colors for the seasons.
Macaroni Collage
Macaroni Collage
Ingredients
Food coloring
Different shapes and sizes of macaroni
Rubbing alcohol
Paper
Glue
Procedure
1. Color the macaroni by mixing 3 to 4 Tbs. of rubbing alcohol and the food coloring.
2. Gently, mix the colored alcohol into the macaroni
3. Spread the colored macaroni onto a cookie sheet and let dry in a warm place. (This does smell badly so try to dry outside)
4. When the macaroni is dry, place on the table with the paper and glue and you are ready to go.
Ingredients
Food coloring
Different shapes and sizes of macaroni
Rubbing alcohol
Paper
Glue
Procedure
1. Color the macaroni by mixing 3 to 4 Tbs. of rubbing alcohol and the food coloring.
2. Gently, mix the colored alcohol into the macaroni
3. Spread the colored macaroni onto a cookie sheet and let dry in a warm place. (This does smell badly so try to dry outside)
4. When the macaroni is dry, place on the table with the paper and glue and you are ready to go.
Salad Spinner Art
This is a quick art idea for any age.
Using a salad spinner, paint, straws and card stock paper, the children can make beautiful pictures. Have the children put drops of paint on the paper. Then carefully place in the salad spinner and the children can give it a whirl.
Using a salad spinner, paint, straws and card stock paper, the children can make beautiful pictures. Have the children put drops of paint on the paper. Then carefully place in the salad spinner and the children can give it a whirl.
Mystery Pictures
Mystery pictures
Use watercolor paper and a white crayon. Draw pictures onto the paper with the white crayon. After drawing the pictures, give the children watercolor paints on the paper. The image of the picture that was drawn will appear on the paper and the mystery will be solved.
Use watercolor paper and a white crayon. Draw pictures onto the paper with the white crayon. After drawing the pictures, give the children watercolor paints on the paper. The image of the picture that was drawn will appear on the paper and the mystery will be solved.
T-shirt Art
T-shirt art
Ask the children to bring an extra plain white t-shirt to school. At art time they can cut out shapes from contact paper. Peal the back off of the paper and they can stick them on the front of the shirt. Using spray bottles, fill with;
One part warm water
One part salt
One tsp. fabric dye liquid
Shake lightly. Put a barrier in between the front and back of the shirt, like newspaper or waxed paper. Now the children are ready to spray the shirt lightly with a few colors of the dye. Let dry. The children can peal the contact paper parts off and reveal their pattern
This activity requires constant supervision, old play clothes and can be used for camp t-shirts as well as every day shirts.
Ask the children to bring an extra plain white t-shirt to school. At art time they can cut out shapes from contact paper. Peal the back off of the paper and they can stick them on the front of the shirt. Using spray bottles, fill with;
One part warm water
One part salt
One tsp. fabric dye liquid
Shake lightly. Put a barrier in between the front and back of the shirt, like newspaper or waxed paper. Now the children are ready to spray the shirt lightly with a few colors of the dye. Let dry. The children can peal the contact paper parts off and reveal their pattern
This activity requires constant supervision, old play clothes and can be used for camp t-shirts as well as every day shirts.
easy quick finger paint
Easy quick finger paint
Materials
One cup flour
One cup water
1 ½ tsp. of salt
food coloring
mix well and put in plastic lids from coffee cans. This sparkles when it dries.
Materials
One cup flour
One cup water
1 ½ tsp. of salt
food coloring
mix well and put in plastic lids from coffee cans. This sparkles when it dries.
Placemats
This would be for children who no longer chew their toys
Foam sheets now come in 9 x 12 sheets and a wide variety of colors. The children can decorate the placemats with tempera or acrylic paints to their own desire. You can even use cookie cutters on them to create different patterns. For instance, A circle cookie cutter where the milk cup should be. Plate and utensil stencils can also be used if the child desires. By using acrylic paints the placemats are washable and bleachable, as well as easily replaceable.
Foam sheets now come in 9 x 12 sheets and a wide variety of colors. The children can decorate the placemats with tempera or acrylic paints to their own desire. You can even use cookie cutters on them to create different patterns. For instance, A circle cookie cutter where the milk cup should be. Plate and utensil stencils can also be used if the child desires. By using acrylic paints the placemats are washable and bleachable, as well as easily replaceable.
Hint
Hint
Using the kitchen sponges that have handles that hold the soap; put tempera paint in the handle instead. You can tie a ribbon to the handle and tie it to the easel so the children don't walk around the classroom with them. Or put watercolor paint in them and use them outside for water play.
At the end of the school year, or periodically, fill them with soap and let the children wash the table and chairs to help keep the classroom clean.
Using the kitchen sponges that have handles that hold the soap; put tempera paint in the handle instead. You can tie a ribbon to the handle and tie it to the easel so the children don't walk around the classroom with them. Or put watercolor paint in them and use them outside for water play.
At the end of the school year, or periodically, fill them with soap and let the children wash the table and chairs to help keep the classroom clean.
Designer Paint Displays using Utensils
Have children use a variety of painting utensils to make designs.
Large paint rollers
Dish sponges
Corks
Brillo pads
Spatula's
Potato masher
Slotted spoons
Thread spools
Large paint rollers
Dish sponges
Corks
Brillo pads
Spatula's
Potato masher
Slotted spoons
Thread spools
Milk a Cow Painting
Milk a cow paintingIngredients;
Sawhorse
Several disposable gloves.
Clamps
Liquid tempera paint
Straight pin for punching holes in the fingers of the glove
Large box(es) to fit under the sawhorse
Take gloves and fill them with the paint. Add enough water so the paint is evenly dispersed into the fingers. Rubber band the top of each glove after filing. Clamp the top after filling, the glove should dangle freely.
Cover the floor with newspaper and place the cardboard boxes on the newspaper. Puncture the glove fingers with a hole using a straight pin. You may want to make 2 holes in the fingers. Pull and squeeze the fingers of paint as if you were milking a cow. The paint splattering makes a great design
An alternative would be to hang some outside in the summer, for water fun.
Coffee Filter Sun Catcher and Transfer
Coffee filter sun catcher and transfer
Ingredients
Coffee filters
Liquid watercolor paints or food coloring (depending on child's age)
Baby food jars or small containers for paint
Eye droppers
Paper plates
Place a coffee filter on a paper plate and let children drip color on them. Using a few primary colors only will also teach blending. This also is great for understanding the concept of absorption. Once the sun catcher dries, they can be hung in the window.
For younger children, another way to do this is by letting the children use washable markers on the filters and then use water in the eye droppers.
Ingredients
Coffee filters
Liquid watercolor paints or food coloring (depending on child's age)
Baby food jars or small containers for paint
Eye droppers
Paper plates
Place a coffee filter on a paper plate and let children drip color on them. Using a few primary colors only will also teach blending. This also is great for understanding the concept of absorption. Once the sun catcher dries, they can be hung in the window.
For younger children, another way to do this is by letting the children use washable markers on the filters and then use water in the eye droppers.
Help Keep Your Children Safe
Assorted Art Activities for preschooler's: Starting with Turtles
TURTLESDraw and have children cut out a turtle shape from poster board. At the bottom of the turtle shell, cut a 2 to 3 inch slit. The children use a paint brush loaded with green paint. They paint a large piece of bubble wrap. Once the bubble wrap is covered with the paint, the children take the pre-cut turtle and place it on the painted bubble wrap. The children then press their hands all over the areas of the bubble wrap. Then, the wrap is lifted off and the print remains. Hang to dry. When the paint is dry place the two turtles together and staple, leaving the slit open. Stuff the turtle with crumpled newspaper.
A variation on this activity is for the children to stomp on the turtle after the bubble wrap is painted, so they can hear the popping sound.
Silly Putty or sometimes called GAK
GAK OR SILLY PUTTY
This recipe is like the Flubber recipe, however liquid starch is used in place of Borax.
1. You will need 1 tablespoon of liquid starch.
2. 2-3 drops of food coloring (if desired) It can stain hands and clothes.
3. 2 tablespoons of the original white Elmer's glue (not the school version)
4. Mix the glue and food coloring together in a bowl.
5. Place the liquid starch in another bowl and slowly pour the glue mixture on top of the starch.
6. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes before removing it from the bowl.
If the mixture is runny, add a little bit more starch. If it does not stick to itself, add more glue.
7. Kneed the silly putty for a few minutes.
Store the mixture in a zip-lock bag when not in use.
This recipe is like the Flubber recipe, however liquid starch is used in place of Borax.
1. You will need 1 tablespoon of liquid starch.
2. 2-3 drops of food coloring (if desired) It can stain hands and clothes.
3. 2 tablespoons of the original white Elmer's glue (not the school version)
4. Mix the glue and food coloring together in a bowl.
5. Place the liquid starch in another bowl and slowly pour the glue mixture on top of the starch.
6. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes before removing it from the bowl.
If the mixture is runny, add a little bit more starch. If it does not stick to itself, add more glue.
7. Kneed the silly putty for a few minutes.
Store the mixture in a zip-lock bag when not in use.
Windsock
WINDSOCK
1. Have your child glue the tops of tissue paper strips or ribbons to the inside of a small tube.
2. Next, let them decorate the tube however they want, with markers, crayons, stickers, or pieces of cut tissue paper.
3. When they are finished, punch two holes at the top of the windsock and thread it with string or yarn.
4. Tie the yarn together and help your child hang it on a tree or pole outside.
5. Children also enjoy running around pulling these windsocks, watching the streamers fly.
1. Have your child glue the tops of tissue paper strips or ribbons to the inside of a small tube.
2. Next, let them decorate the tube however they want, with markers, crayons, stickers, or pieces of cut tissue paper.
3. When they are finished, punch two holes at the top of the windsock and thread it with string or yarn.
4. Tie the yarn together and help your child hang it on a tree or pole outside.
5. Children also enjoy running around pulling these windsocks, watching the streamers fly.
Sculptures
SculpturesIngredients
Balloons blown up of various sizes and shapes
String or yarn
Liquid starch
Children drench their string/yarn in the liquid starch and wrap around their balloon. When the children are done covering their balloon with the string/yarn mixture, hang them up and in an out of the way place to dry. When the sculpture is completely dry, an adult should pop the balloon. Hang the string sculptures from the ceiling.
Macaroni Collage
Ingredients
Food coloring
Different shapes and sizes of macaroni
Rubbing alcohol
Paper
Glue
Procedure
1. Color the macaroni by mixing 3 to 4 Tbs. of rubbing alcohol and the food coloring.
2. Gently, mix the colored alcohol into the macaroni
3. Spread the colored macaroni onto a cookie sheet and let dry in a warm place. (This does smell badly so try to dry outside)
4. When the macaroni is dry, place on the table with the paper and glue and you are ready to go.
Food coloring
Different shapes and sizes of macaroni
Rubbing alcohol
Paper
Glue
Procedure
1. Color the macaroni by mixing 3 to 4 Tbs. of rubbing alcohol and the food coloring.
2. Gently, mix the colored alcohol into the macaroni
3. Spread the colored macaroni onto a cookie sheet and let dry in a warm place. (This does smell badly so try to dry outside)
4. When the macaroni is dry, place on the table with the paper and glue and you are ready to go.
T-Shirt Art
Ask the children to bring an extra plain white t-shirt to school. At art time they can cut out shapes from contact paper. Peal the back off of the paper and they can stick them on the front of the shirt. Using spray bottles, fill with;
One part warm water
One part salt
One tsp. fabric dye liquid
Shake lightly. Put a barrier in between the front and back of the shirt, like newspaper or waxed paper. Now the children are ready to spray the shirt lightly with a few colors of the dye. Let dry. The children can peal the contact paper parts off and reveal their pattern
This activity requires constant supervision, old play clothes and can be used for camp t-shirts as well as every day shirts.
One part warm water
One part salt
One tsp. fabric dye liquid
Shake lightly. Put a barrier in between the front and back of the shirt, like newspaper or waxed paper. Now the children are ready to spray the shirt lightly with a few colors of the dye. Let dry. The children can peal the contact paper parts off and reveal their pattern
This activity requires constant supervision, old play clothes and can be used for camp t-shirts as well as every day shirts.
Hint
Using the kitchen sponges that have handles that hold the soap; put tempera paint in the handle instead. You can tie a ribbon to the handle and tie it to the easel so the children don't walk around the classroom with them. Or put watercolor paint in them and use them outside for water play.
At the end of the school year, or periodically, fill them with soap and let the children wash the table and chairs to help keep the classroom clean.
At the end of the school year, or periodically, fill them with soap and let the children wash the table and chairs to help keep the classroom clean.
Writing idea
One of the most important moments for a child and their parents is when the child can first write the letters in their name. One day ask the child to write their name on a plain piece of paper, turn the paper over so they see their name upside down, using fabric crayons, asking them to copy the lines they just made. (They may not recognize it as their name in this form). Turn the picture over again, showing the child it is still their name. Use the picture to iron onto a cloth bag for the parent. This can be done for children of any age that can hold a crayon.
Reader Feedback
Thank you for visiting. If you have found this information helpful or want to add something to an idea, please drop me a note.
|
Evelyn_Saenz
The Purple Gallinules just flew over to check out your lens. We love to teach how to read color words while learning science. Posted February 15, 2008 |
|
gladigiggle
Thanks for the great ideas. I was stuck for an art activity for today, and here I am, problem solved. keep 'em coming Posted January 21, 2008 |
Great Stuff on CafePress
Check out these cool books from Amazon
If you loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), you might also enjoy:
