Supplies Needed
- Small Paper Plate
- Green Crayon or Marker
- White Glue and/or Tape
- Green Construction Paper
- Child Safe Scissors
- 20 Acorn Shells/Tops or a Few Green and/or Brown Leaves
- 2 Googly Eyes
Time Needed
- 20 Minutes plus drying time
What To Do
- Go outside and collect some acorn shells! Looks for just the tops. Collect about 20 of them with nice, unchipped, uncracked tops.
HINT: If there are no acorn shells in your area you can also use a few leaves that are green and/or brown. Cut the leaves up into about 1/2 squares, OR if they're dry, you can crumble them.
- Completely color the convex side/back of the paper plate with a green crayon or marker.
- Use white glue in the center of the plate or as much of the plate as you wish.
HINT: I underestimated how many acorns we would need. I would have liked to have covered a larger area with acorns.
- Apply acorns to the glue OR if you're using leaves scatter the 1/2 inch or crumbled pieces over the glue.
- Cut 4 legs, 1 head, and 1 tail from the green construction paper.
HINT: The 4 legs and 1 head can all be the same shape - very rounded rectangle. The tail is just a triangle.
- Glue or use tape to apply the head, 4 legs, and tail to underside of turtle.
- Add googly eyes to face.
- Let dry completely.
- ENJOY! You're done! Show it off by hanging your masterpiece on the wall, stand it on a shelf, or play with it!
OPTIONAL: Add a large craft stick to the back to make a quick puppet!
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.
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.
This opportunity for hands-on learning with no wrong choices is ideal to foster self esteem as well.
Substitute any listed supplies for supplies that your child enjoys working with. This project is quite flexible and you can use almost any kind of paper, a crayon OR marker Or paint, paper plate OR construction paper, acorns OR leaves OR even tissue paper OR cut up construction paper, white glue OR paste OR tape.
For Older Children
An older child will also enjoy this project but may want to place the acorns in a design or even paint the acorns before applying them.
Featured Toy
Twilight Turtle Sleep Toy by Cloud B
*$29.99
Multi Award Winning Toy!
Twilight turtle sleep toy transforms any room into a starry night sky! This turtle is a plush toy that transforms any room into a starry night sky to help comfort children to sleep.
From within his plastic shell, Twilight Turtle
projects a magical constellation of stars onto bedroom ceiling and walls in three soothing color options.
This interactive and educational toy includes eight actual constellations (such as The Big Dipper) embedded in the star pattern. Parents can sit with their children and identify these major constellations using the wonderfully illustrated Twilight Turtle Star Guide.
See all Twilight Turtle Sleep Toy Features
*price subject to change
Featured Book
"
The Turtle and the Moon" By Charles Turner, Illustrated By Melissa Bay Mathis:
A beautiful book to read before going to bed. The luminous pastels are the perfect accompaniment to this gentle story about a wistful turtle and the mysteries of moonlight. Even the youngest listeners will respond to the themes of nighttime and friendship in this quiet, soothing picture book. Full-color illustrations.
Featured Turtle Activities
Related Links
3oo Crafts for Kids
Kids Crafts: Crafts for Preschoolers
Books for Preschoolers
Eric Carle Books, Crafts, & Activities 
