The Grouchy (and Friendly) Ladybug Puppet Craft: Project #80

The Grouchy (and Friendly) Ladybug Puppet Craft
Inspired by Eric Carle's "The Grouchy Ladybug"

Preschool Crafts for Kids of all abilities!

for Ages 3 Years and Up    

Close Up of Our Grouchy Ladybug

Close Up of Our Friendly Ladybug

Supplies Needed:

• 2 small (6 inch) paper plates
• Red poster (tempera) paint
• Paint Brush
• Craft Bowl
• Scissors
• 2 Black Pipe Cleaners
• 1 White Pipe Cleaner
• 4 Googly Eyes
• Black Construction Paper
• White Glue
• Double Sided Tape
• Craft Stick (larger) or Popsicle Stick (smaller)

Time Needed:  

• 30 Minutes plus drying time

Don't Forget to Take a photo and share it with us! You are automatically entered into our WEEKLY GIVEAWAY on our Facebook Page when you post a photo of your finished project and "Like" Us ! 

What To Do:

1. Paint both of the paper plates with red paint.
2. Let dry completely.
3. Cut out an even number of circles from the black construction paper. These will be the ladybug dots.
4. Cut out 2 thin strips of paper from the black construction paper.
5. Cut out 1 large circle (about 3 inches). Then, fold it in half to crease it. Cut along the crease to create 2 half circles. These will be the heads of the ladybugs.
6. Glue one black strip to the center of each paper plate.
7. Glue on all the dots for your ladybugs.
8. Glue the face onto each ladybug.
9. Glue 2 googly eyes onto each ladybug.
10. Use a small piece of white pipe cleaner to make each mouth (one friendly, and one grouchy). Use glue to attach these.
11. Cut the 2 black pipe cleaners into six pieces, each about 2 inches long. Bend each one so it looks like an insect's leg.
    HINT: You are only making 6 legs because the ladybugs will be attached to each other, sharing the legs.
12. Use tape to attach the legs on the underside of one of the plates. 
13. Put some glue on the top portion of the craft stick and press onto the underside of one ladybug - see photo for location.
14. Use double sided tape to attach the back sides of the plates. Press together.
15. Let ladybug dry completely.
16. ENJOY! You're done! Put on a puppet show recapping "The Grouchy Ladybug" by Eric Carle or make up your own adventure!
    
    

Don't Forget to Take a photo and share it with us! You are automatically entered into our WEEKLY GIVEAWAY on our Facebook Page when you post a photo of your finished project and "Like" Us ! 

Make our Ladybug from Paper Bowl Kids Craft too!

Why We Love Crafts for Kids:
Art develops creative thinking, provides means of communication and self expression, increases self understanding, strengthens self concepts and confidence, serves as an emotional release, provides decision-making opportunities, develops appreciation for the individuality of others, aids physical coordination, develops work habits and a sense of responsibility, heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity, and generates joy!

For Children with Special Needs: 
Assist your child as much as needed - but allow it to be his project.  Art projects are great for fine motor exercise, and using creativity.

If your child has a limited attention span, have all supplies ready before having him begin the project. 

Puppets are terrific to play with for children with Autism and children with speech/language delays. Children with special needs will have great fun exploring their imagination, trying out different voices, and handling the puppets they made! Puppets allow children to explore role playing and pretend play while using small motor skills, learning new vocabulary words and language skills. Encourages social skills too!

Substitute any supplies your child does not like working with, for supplies that he enjoys. On this craft you can use glue, paste, glue dots, or double sided tape. If you child does not like to paint you can just start with two 6 inch red construction paper circles :)

 

For Older Children: An older child will also enjoy this project as is.

FEATURED BOOK

This craft for kids was inspired by "The Grouchy Ladybug" By Eric Carle. In this popular children's book the grouchy ladybug learns that maybe he's not so tough when all the animals he encounters with his challenge "want to fight?"  actually accept his offer with "If You Insist". There are some lines repeated over and over and your children will be happy to recite these lines for you! Each animal that the grouchy ladybug encounters gets bigger and bigger and bigger. Also, this book introduces children to the concept of time. Each event happens at a specific time of day and a clock shows that time as well. Beautiful, bright, illustrations are immediately captivating to young children. Enjoy over and over again!

FEATURED TOY
Ladybug Hand Puppet

Children will love these colorful and friendly animal pals! They are more than a handful and promise hours of imaginative playtime fun and learning.
$7.99
(price subject to change. This price at time of original publication of this article 4/11/11)

ACTIVITY 1:

Watch Video Reading of the story "The Grouchy Ladybug"

ACTIVITY 2:
Build a Ladybug: Cut out the different parts of a lady bug and give them to your child to put together properly! 2 antennae, 6 segmented legs, 2 wings, 2 eyes, head, body. Just have them use tape or glue!

ACTIVITY 3:
Size comparisons:

ACTIVITY 4:
Talk about bullies: The grouchy ladybug was a bully. He was not nice to others and did not get his way. He wanted to fight others but they looked him right in the eye and said "If You Insist." That made him turn away. Maybe the bullies aren't so brave. What do you think? Have you ever bullied someone smaller than you? Bigger than you? Have you ever been bullied by someone? What do you think you could do?


Check out these FREE Bugs & Butterflies Printables from the TwistyNoodle that you can customize!

ABOUT ERIC CARLE

Eric Carle Website 

Eric Carle Blog

List of Eric Carle Books 

Eric Carle Photo & Video Gallery (must see!)

Eric Carle's Wikipedia Page

Related Links:
3oo Crafts for Kids

Kids Crafts: Crafts for Preschoolers  

Butterfly Crafts for Kids

Books for Preschoolers
Eric Carle Books, Crafts, & Activities

Spring & Easter Preschool Kids Crafts

Related Toys:  
Insect Toys

Toys with Flower Theme

Toys with Butterflies

Sunny Patch Spring Toys

Sunny Patch Outdoor Toys

PLEASE POST IN COMMENTS your opinion of this kids craft, if you enjoyed it, and any other ideas that may be similar.    

A Note From A Child With Autism

April is National Autism Awareness Month. 

 

Please pass this on to others. Many people do not understand what Autism is. This will help them understand. 

<thank you Patty for sending this to me!>

A Note From A Child With Autism:

 

Dear Family and Friends-

I understand that we will be visiting each other for some get-togethers this year. Sometimes these visits can be very hard for me, but here is some information that might help our visit to be more successful. As you probably know, I am challenged by a hidden disability called Autism, or what some people refer to as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Autism/PDD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which makes it hard for me to understand the environment around me. I have barriers in my brain that you can’t see, but which make it difficult for me to adapt to my surroundings.

Sometimes I may seem rude and abrupt or silly and out of control, but it is only because I have to try so hard to understand people and at the same time, make myself understood. People with autism have different abilities. Some may not speak, some will write beautiful poetry. Others are whizzes in math (Albert Einstein was thought to be autistic), or may have difficulty making friends. We are ALL different and need various degrees of support.

Sometimes when I am touched unexpectedly, it might feel painful and make me want to run away. I get easily frustrated, too. Being with lots of other people is like standing next to a moving freight train and trying to decide how and when to jump aboard. I feel frightened and confused a lot of the time. This is why I need to have things the same as much as possible. Once I learn how things happen, I can get by OK. But if something, anything, changes then I have to relearn the situation all over again! It is very hard.

When you try to talk to me, I often can’t understand what you say because there is a lot of distraction around. I have to concentrate very hard to hear and understand one thing at a time. You might think I am ignoring you – I am not. Rather, I am hearing everything and not knowing what is most important to respond to.

Get-togethers are exceptionally hard because there are so many different people, places and things going on that are out of my ordinary realm. This may be fun and adventurous for most people, but for me, it’s very hard work and can be extremely stressful. I often have to get away from all the commotion to calm down. It would be great if I had a private place set up to where I could retreat every time I go to get-togethers.

If I cannot sit at the meal table, do not think I am misbehaved or my parents have no control over me. Sitting in one place for even five minutes is often impossible for me. I feel so antsy and overwhelmed by all the smells, sounds, and people – I just have to get up and move about. Please don’t hold up your meal for me – go on without me, and my parents will handle the situation the best way they know how.

Eating in general is hard for me. If you understand that autism is a sensory processing disorder, it’s no wonder eating is a problem! Think of all the senses involved with eating. Sight, smell, taste, touch AND all the complicated mechanics that are involved. Chewing and swallowing is something that a lot of people with autism have trouble with. I am not picky – I literally cannot eat certain foods as my sensory system and/or oral motor coordination are impaired.

Don’t be disappointed if Mom hasn’t dressed me in the best clothes there are. It’s because she knows how much stiff and frilly clothes drive me buggy! I have to feel comfortable in my clothes or I will just be miserable. When I go to someone else’s house, I may appear crabby. Things have to be done in ways I am familiar with or else I might get confused and frustrated. It doesn’t mean you have to change the way you are doing things – just please be patient with me, and understanding of how I have to cope. Mom and Dad have no control over how my autism makes me feel inside. 

 

People with autism often have little things that they do to help themselves feel more comfortable. The grown-ups call it “self-regulation” or “stimming.” I might rock, hum, flick my fingers, tap a string, or any number of different things. I am not trying to be disruptive or weird. Again, I am doing what I have to do for my brain to adapt to your world. Sometimes I cannot stop myself from talking, singing, laughing, or doing an activity I enjoy. The grown-ups call this “perseverating” which is kinda like self-regulation or stimming. I do this only because I have found something to occupy myself that makes me feel comfortable. Perseverating behaviors are good to a certain degree because they help me calm down.

Please be respectful to my Mom and Dad if they let me “stim” for a while as they know me best and what helps to calm me. Remember that my Mom and Dad have to watch me much more closely than the average child. This is for my own safety, and preservation of your possessions. It hurts my parents’ feelings to be criticized for being over-protective, or condemned for not watching me close enough. They are human and have been given an assignment intended for saints. My parents are good people and need your support and not rude remarks.

-Author Unknown
A Note From A Child With Autism

 

Do you have a child with Autism? Please tell us something you wish others knew about him.

CLOSED! GIVEAWAY: Lemonade Stand / Grocery Store Pretend Play Toy - STOCKED!

Heather said...
We love the Cutting Food Box play food.
hschonrock at yahoo dot com
April 8, 2011 3:18 PM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

A Winner Will Be Chosen Shortly!

Melissa & Doug Lemonade Stand Pretend Play Set

Melissa & Doug's Lemonade Stand/Grocery Store
Your little entrepreneur never had so much fun! This wooden play center features removable plastic bins for pretend shopping or storage; removable chalkboard price signs; a spacious countertop and reversible fabric awning!
Food and accessories sold separately.  Size: 32" x 50" x 16.25"  Assembly Required.

Special Information: FREE Ground Shipping!!

TO BUY the LEMONADE STAND MSRP $129.99  ON SALE: $103.99

Educational Value:
Great for pretend play, role play and imitation. Whether you use it as a lemonade stand or a grocery store, it's a fantastic wooden toy for developing a great assortment of skills including small motor, hand-eye, vocabulary, social, problem solving, language and more!

~WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!~

Basic Entry (MUST do this one)
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NOTES: It is very important that each entry has a separate comment. Entries that do not follow the stated instructions will not be counted as entries. Please email help@gummylump.com if you have any questions about entering this contest. We are happy to help you!

*Anonymous Entries will NOT be accepted UNLESS your email address is included in your post. We have to be able to contact you if you win. If your profile is private or there is any other reason we can not contact you, your prize will be forfeited 48 hours after the drawing and a new winner will be chosen.

We trust you but...if you win for an entry that says, for example, that you're following us on Twitter, and you're not, your prize is forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Accepting entries thru midnight ET April 15, 2011

You are NOT eligible to win this giveaway if your household has won a Gummy Lump giveaway in the past 90 days.

Purchase Play Food Toys Here

FREE Play Food Set Offer Here

Melissa & Doug's Lemonade Stand/Grocery Store

GOOD LUCK!

Questions? Email help@gummylump.com

Colored Lentils: Kids Crafts Project #69

Colored Lentils Preschool Craft

Crafts for all abilities!   

for Ages 3 Years and Up   
ADULT SUPERVISION & PARTICIPATION REQUIRED

Green Lentils

Red Lentils

Supplies Needed:

• Bag of Dried Lentils
• Sealable Plastic Bags or Tupperware Type Containers with Lids (may stain - rinse immediately)
• Tape
• Food Coloring
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Paper Towels
• Tablespoon
• Cookie Sheets (1 for each color)

Time Needed:  

• 5 Minutes per color plus drying time

This project will give you a great sensory alternative to using other art supplies. The lentils will be colorful, cool to the touch, smooth, and make noise when moved. Most children greatly enjoy working with lentils because of the sensory stimulation involved. It's just fun! They lend themselves to such interesting projects. I can't wait to show you! Get yours ready!

What To Do:

1. ADULT ONLY Pour 1-2 capfuls of rubbing alcohol into the plastic bag or container.
2. Add about 10-15 drops of food coloring.
   HINT: We found that we needed more food coloring for these than on other projects.
3. Add 1-2 cups of dried lentils.
4. Seal closed bag or container.
5. Tape closed bag or container so it doesn't leek if it opens. Wrapping masking tape around the container lid works well as does taping the seal of a plastic bag.
6. Shake Shake Shake the lentils & wiggle and move them around with your fingers for about 3 minutes.
7. Empty container onto a cookie sheet lined with paper towels.
   

   

   We should have used the cookie sheet under here!
   Instead I had to work to get the colors off the table!

   

   Flatten and dry thoroughly. Only takes an hour or less.

8. Smooth out the lentils with the back of a spoon so they are 1 layer deep.
9. Let dry completely.
10. Repeat all steps for each new color.
11. ENJOY! You're done! 
12. Don't Forget to Take a photo and share it with us! You are automatically entered into our WEEKLY GIVEAWAY on our Facebook Page when you post a photo of your finished project and "Like" Us ! Giveaway is randomly selected.
    

    

    I just love touching them!

    
    

    

    You may find them addicting to touch and play with too!

Why We Love Crafts for Kids:
Art develops creative thinking, provides means of communication and self expression, increases self understanding, strengthens self concepts and confidence, serves as an emotional release, provides decision-making opportunities, develops appreciation for the individuality of others, aids physical coordination, develops work habits and a sense of responsibility, heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity, and generates joy!

PLEASE POST IN COMMENTS your opinion of this kids craft, if you enjoyed it, other ideas that may be similar.    

Related Links:
3oo Crafts for Kids

Kids Crafts: Crafts for Preschoolers  

Special Needs
Sensory

FEATURED TOY:

Sensory Ball Mega Pack by Edushape

Shaving Cream Tarts & Polar Bear Art: Project #33 of 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011

KIDS CRAFTS PROJECT #33: Shaving Cream Tarts & Polar Bear Art

Crafts for all abilities! 

for Ages 3 Years and Up      

♥ A No Calorie Tart♥


♥ Polar Bear Art ♥

Supplies Needed:

• Shaving Cream
• Food Coloring
• Large Bowl or Deep Bin
• Spatula or Large Spoon
• Small bowls or tart tins 
• Paper Plate
• Sensory Rice
• Newspaper To Keep The Work Area Clean

Time Needed:  

• As long as you want to play!

What To Do:

• For the Tarts

1. Dispense some shaving cream into the bowl.
2. Add a few drops of red food coloring and stir the "batter" until it changes color.
3. Add a few drops of blue food coloring and stir the "batter" until it turns purple.
   
4. Experiment with other bowls of shaving cream and food coloring.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Using the spatula or a large spoon, scoop out "batter" and fill tart tins.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Optional: Add a dollop of fresh shaving cream for whipped cream.
7. Sprinkle top with sensory rice.
   
   
   
   
8. You're done! 
9. Don't Forget to Take a photo and share it with us! You are automatically entered into our WEEKLY GIVEAWAY on our Facebook Page when you post a photo of your finished project and "Like" Us ! Giveaway is randomly selected.

• For the Art - Make a Polar Bear
  

1. Dispense some shaving cream onto a paper plate to form a large circle.
2. Add the ears on top as 2 circles.
3. Poke your finger into the shaving cream to make 2 indents for the eyes and add a drop or two of food coloring for the eye color.
4. Use red food coloring to make a heart shaped nose, smiley mouth, and heart accented ears.
5. You're done! 
6. Don't Forget to Take a photo and share it with us! You are automatically entered into our WEEKLY GIVEAWAY on our Facebook Page when you post a photo of your finished project and "Like" Us ! Giveaway is randomly selected.

Why We Love Crafts for Kids: 
Art develops creative thinking, provides means of communication and self expression, increases self understanding, strengthens self concepts and confidence, serves as an emotional release, provides decision-making opportunities, develops appreciation for the individuality of others, aids physical coordination, develops work habits and a sense of responsibility, heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity, and generates joy!

For Children with Special Needs: Assist your child as much as needed - but allow it to be his project.

This opportunity for hands-on learning with no wrong choices is ideal to foster self esteem as well. Let him choose which food coloring to add, how long to stir, and how much sensory rice to add. Let him create the polar bear using his hands, a foam paint brush or the shaving cream dispenser. The polar bear will stay for several days before it completely dries.

This is a sensory rich activity. If your child likes this let him put his hands in the shaving cream and squish it, stir it, and just play with it. It has a smooth, cool texture, and a pleasant aroma.
 

Let him be proud of his very own creation!

For Older Children:
An older child can further enjoy this project by experimenting with different color combinations. The food coloring package will list 5-10 colors that can be created. What else can you make aside from the tarts and polar bear? There are endless possibilities!
 

Associated Educational Activities:

And now a word from SeeryusMama "READ!" And now a few more words from her "A book about colors and counting that would go nicely with this activity is 'Dog's Colorful Day: A Messy Story About Colors and Counting' by Emma Dodd. A funny doggie born with one spot is the star of this book. During his adventures he ends up with 9 more spots! A fun book that your child will enjoy hearing you read aloud while he counts the new spots on Dog on each page!"

Check out these FREE Valentine's Day Printables from the TwistyNoodle!

LessonPathways.com Suggests A Lesson in Color Mixing!
 

PLEASE POST IN COMMENTS your opinion of this kids craft, if you enjoyed it, other ideas that may be similar.     
 

Related Links: 

3oo Crafts for Kids 
Valentine's Day  
Books for Preschoolers  

Kids Crafts: Crafts for Preschoolers
Holidays     

Related Toys & Art Supplies: 
Wildlife Wonders Polar Bear Play Figure 
Fish Colors Mix n Match Peg Puzzle
Bathtub Finger Painting 
Crystal Beads Unit Blocks
Do A Dot Art
Smart Snacks Rainbow Colors Cones
Toys for Children with Special Needs

Decorate Your Own Heart Chest 

Kids Craft Kits

Valentine's Day Gifts for Kids: Toys with Hearts

Valentine's Day Gifts for Kids: Toys with Flowers

Valentine's Day Gifts for Kids: Giant Stuffed Animals

Stamping Fun for Preschool Children: Expressions Stampers by Melissa & Doug

We recently spent some time with the Expressions Handle Stampers by Melissa & Doug. I had previously had some family fun time with another set of their large stampers, and thought my preschoolers would enjoy this one too! My son immediately loved all the faces! Right away we were pulling out the stamps and trying to identify the emotion on each stamp.

Normally $9.99, this stamp set is now on sale for $7.99.

One thing I really like about these handle stampers is that it's very easy for a small child to use. The handle is easy to grip on the Expressions Handle Stampers and the other Melissa & Doug Large Stampers.

Other stamp sets we have used are more difficult for preschool hands to manipulate because they require the child to hold a small wooden piece and press down evenly. With those, if you don't press down evenly you end up with a smattering of ink and the pattern on the stamp. With these large stampers  (both handle stampers and palm stampers), the overall size of the stamp is much larger and the stamp is very easy to work with. The result is beautiful stamping with no struggle.

If you have a 3-5 year old who needs small motor exercise I highly recommend these stamps. Your child will be able to successfully use the stamps and be very pleased with the results! 


Handle Stampers Expressions is a very good toy for children with special needs. Whether your child needs help with small motor skills, understanding emotions, or is a late talker, he can benefit from this simple to use stamp set. Children who have difficulty recognizing the emotions of others will be given concrete examples of facial expressions so that they can literally see what the different emotions look like. This also gives you the opportunity to talk about different emotions and ask your child questions. When do you feel sad? Can you remember something that made you feel mad? This face looks scared. Is there something that scares you?

We had a great time and stamping has become a favorite activity here. They usually end up making something with their fingerprints from the stamp pad - but, it washes off easily and allows them to be creative, so I don't mind!

Here is what we made

 

Related Links:

Toys for children with special needs

Toys for children with speech and language impairment

Special needs toys

Toys for children with Autism

3oo Crafts for Kids

Kids Art Supplies

Kids Crafts: Crafts for Preschoolers

Hatching Dinosaur Egg in Nest: Project #9 of 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011

KIDS CRAFTS PROJECT #9: Hatching Dinosaur Egg in Nest

Crafts for all abilities!

for Ages 3 Years and Up

♥ An Impressive Craft for Preschool Children! They will be so proud! ♥

Supplies Needed:

• Tin Foil - aluminum foil
• White glue
• Newsprint paper, drawing paper or construction paper
• Clay or play doh (we used Crayola Model Magic)
• Egg carton (cardboard or Styrofoam)
• Paint brushes
• Poster paint
• Newspaper (to keep work area neat)

Time Needed:
30-45 Minutes plus paint drying time in between

What To Do:

To Make The Dinosaur Egg:

1. Cut out 2 egg cups from your egg carton. These will be the top and bottom of your dinosaur egg.
   
   
   
   
2. Paint the inside and outside of the dinosaur egg in any color(s) you want! Use your imagination! Hint: we used different kinds of brushes (foam, textured, rope) to have some fun with this. We also used the top of the egg carton as our paint cup.
   

   

   Using the top of the egg carton as our paint cups

   

   We used a variety of different paint brushes.

3. Once painted inside and out allow to completely dry. If you used a Styrofoam egg carton, you will notice that some of the paint will chip off. That's fine. We saved the paint that fell off and put it in our nest. We thought it looked like crumbled leaves.
   
   

To Make the Baby Dinosaur:

1.  Create the shapes as shown below & attach the pieces to create the baby dinosaur. Many young children will be able to make the basic forms. You can reshape them slightly if necessary!
   
   • Head: make a circle and reshape into an oval.
   • Eyes: 2 small ball shapes. Add googly eyes if desired.
   • Body: large oval
   • Tail: roll a hot dog shape and then pinch and lift the end upward
   • Arms & Legs: roll 2 very short hot dog shape
   • Hands & Feet: make a small ball and then press down with thumb to flatten. Pinch 3 times with fingertips to create the 3 claws on each foot/hand.
   Hint: Use clay or play doh that you don't mind letting dry. We used the Crayola Model Magic but it took a long time to dry and cracked anyway!
2. Allow to dry completely: about 24 hours.
   

   

   We used Crayola Model Magic in green and blue.

   

   We used this TRex as a model.

   

   Follow these shapes.

   
   

   

   Completed baby dinosaur.

   
   

   

   Two Completed Baby Dinosaurs. We added a nose and smiley mouth.

    
   To Make the Dinosaur Nest:
   

   1. Tear off a piece of tin foil approx 1 foot long.
   2. Crinkle up the ends carelessly all the way around by just grabbing a few inches to the edge and closing your hand into a fist.
      
      
      
      
   3. Reshape slightly to make it look round.
   4. Pull off 2 feet of tin foil and fold in half (shiny side up).
      
      
      
      
   5. Place over your beginning nest with nest centered underneath.
   6. Press down with your fingertips in the center and press down into the round nest shape underneath.
      
      
      
      
   7. Fold remaining tin foil underneath the nest.
      

      

      One of our dinosaur nests.

      
      
   8. Repeat steps 4-7 one or two times until you like the size of your dinosaur nest.
   
   
   To Fill the Dinosaur Nest:
   

   1. Using the paper of your choice (and color of your choice) cut into long strips. They can be uneven, thin, wide, whatever!
      

      

      Paper strips we used.

      
      
   2. Liberally apply white glue (Elmer's Type) back and forth, up and down, inside the nest.
      

      

      Application of glue to interior of dinosaur nest.

      
      
   3. Apply the paper strips to the inside of the nest, one at a time. These should not be overly neat looking!
      

      

      Application of glue over paper strips.

      
      
   4. Apply glue over the paper and add another layer of paper strips to the inside of the nest. If any pieces hang over too much just tear them.
      

      

      Nest with paper filling.

To Complete:

1. Place your two egg pieces inside the egg. Glue them down when you've decided on the location.
   
   
   
   
2. Place the baby dinosaur inside the nest.
   
   
   
   
3. Glue any additional paper strips inside the nest to fill.
4. Let dry and enjoy this amazing accomplishment!
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   We also covered a lemon play food toy with the Model Magic to create this egg. We also added a giant TRex footprint, just for fun!

For Older Children: An older child can further enjoy this project by creating the dinosaur completely on his own, trying to copy a picture or model of a specific dinosaur. An older child can also use some modeling tools to shape the facial features and even create the looks of scales on the dinosaur.

For Children with Special Needs: Assist your child as much as needed - but allow it to be his project.  Art projects are great for fine motor exercise, and using creativity.

If you child needs assistance making the dinosaur shapes you can cover his hands with yours and show him the motion to use. You can also have him cover your hands with his so he can feel what you are doing to create the shapes.

If your child can not tolerate messy painting, you can just cover an object with the clay like we did for one of ours (shown above).

If your child is not able to cut the strips of paper they can also be torn instead. The nest will look great this way too!

This opportunity for hands-on learning with no wrong choices is ideal to foster self esteem as well.

Why We Love Crafts for Kids: Art develops creative thinking, provides means of communication and self expression, increases self understanding, strengthens self concepts and confidence, serves as an emotional release, provides decision-making opportunities, develops appreciation for the individuality of others, aids physical coordination, develops work habits and a sense of responsibility, heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity, and generates joy!

Associated Educational Activities:

• Talk about eggs. What comes out of eggs? What does it mean to hatch? How does the baby animal get out of the egg?
  
  
• Read your child a book about eggs. How about "What's In The Egg?" by Innovative Kids
  
  
• Learn about & see actual dinosaur egg fossils
  
  
• Learn how dinosaurs took care of their eggs and their babies.
  
  
• Use these dinosaur coloring pages to learn the names of dinosaurs.
  
  

PLEASE POST IN COMMENTS your opinion of this kids craft, if you enjoyed it, other ideas that may be similar and PLEASE Post any photos of your finished project to our Facebook Page!

Related Links:
3oo Crafts for Kids
Kids Crafts: Crafts for Preschoolers
Kids Art Supplies

Dinosaurs
What's in the Egg Science Book
My First Painting Set

Top 10 Toys for Sensory Seeking Children