A Toddler/Preschool Printing Lesson: Ladybugs and Dandelions

This lesson was developed for a 2's/3's class.  Printing is an excellent fine motor practice for children of this age group.  With this lesson a sponge and stencil brushes are used to create ladybugs in grass with dandelions. 

Vocabulary to Introduce:

printing

Materials:

-white paper

-tempera paint (red, black, green, yellow)

-sponge (cut into a circle)

-stencil sponges

-paint brush

Preparation:

Beforehand hot glue or glue the details of the dandelion petals on the circular cut sponge and allow to dry completely.  Place the green and yellow paint on separate plates.  Red and black paint because of the small volume can be used on the same plate. 

Modifications for Older Students:

If you know the skill level of the students that you work with, you can allow them to paint the grass with a paint brush themselves.  In addition, details can be added to the ladybugs such as legs.

Our YouTube Video demonstrating the process:



"The Very Hungry Caterpillar": A Cut & Paste

This cut and paste lesson is inspired by the work of Eric Carle, a well known children's author and illustrator.  Your students or child will enjoy reading the classic, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and creating their own picture of the caterpillar eating through an orange. 

Vocabulary to Introduce:

illustrator

Materials:

-construction paper in black, orange, green, red, and yellow

purple and yellow oil pastel or crayon

-scissors

-glue sticks

Preparation:

For younger students:  Draw the circles in pencil beforehand.  Do not give them all the pieces of paper at the same time as they will often loose parts when throwing away scraps.  Children who are having a particular difficult time turning their paper to follow the curve of a circle can be shown how to shave small pieces to get closer to the line.

Our YouTube Video demonstrating the process:

Dragonfly Drawing Lesson

This is a simple drawing lesson using shapes to create a dragonfly in long grass.  The work of  R. John Ichter can be used as an example.  His work features brilliant colors in pastel on suede. 

Vocabulary to Introduce:
texture

pastels

geometric shapes (circle, oval, triangle)

Materials:

-textured paper

-oil pastels (crayons can be substituted)

Preparation:

After placing bright colored oil pastels in the center of the table for the children to use, go over with them them different shapes that can be used to make a dragonfly ( triangle for the body, circles for the eyes, ovals for the wings).

Our YouTube Video demonstrating the process:e paper for each child at a seat, choose brightly colored pastels or crayons to lay out.  Colors such as light green, ange, red, yellow, pink, and white work wel