2 Springtime Projects: Spring Showers and Wiggly Caterpillars

Eau Claire Regional Arts Council |

Celebrate the changing seasons with these two fun ARTmobile activities!

Project Title: "Watering Flowers"

Summary

1. Draw a garden scene that includes flowers, a rain cloud, and rain. Kids may also include bugs, rainbows, and other garden items.

2. Hold the drawing vertically.

3. Spray water in the clouds and allow it to drip over the drawing.

4. Let drawing dry for a moment before transferring to a supportive second sheet for transportation.

Age Level

Project should be easily accomplished by ages 4 and up with help from a grown-up.

Approximate Time

Project should be accomplished in 10 minutes or less.

Materials Needed

• Computer paper
• Washable markers
• Spray bottle filled with water

Educational Aspects

• Practice fine motor skills by drawing.
• Practice with unpredictability because of the randomness in which sprays can happen.

Objectives/Outcomes

• Develop fine motor skills by drawing their garden scenes.
• Experience unpredictability and dealing with sudden changes with spraying and the water dripping in surprising ways.
• Experience how materials interact.


Project Title: “Wiggly Caterpillars on Leaves”

Summary

1. Adult prepares two or three various leaf shape tracers for kids who wish to use them.

2. Kids choose a leaf tracer or draw their own leaf shape.

3. Use markers and/or crayons to decorate leaf as desired.

4. Cut out leaf and punch a hole in the middle.

5. Choose a pipe cleaner for caterpillar body. Fold one end over twice into an “L” shape to keep beads from sliding off.

6. String 10-12 beads on.

7. Thread one end through leaf hole. Take one more bead and twist onto pipe cleaner on the back of the leaf (this keeps the caterpillar in place).

8. Give your caterpillar a little wiggle!

Age Level

Project should be easily accomplished by ages 4 and up with help from a grown-up.

Approximate Time

Project should be accomplished in 30 minutes or less.

Materials Needed

• White paper or cardstock
• Markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.
• Pipe cleaners
• Pony beads
• Hole punch
• Scissors

Educational Aspects

• Creating patterns (two-dimensional on paper; sequential with repeating colors of beads).
• Combining 2D and 3D elements in one artwork.
• Using nature as a reference for artwork.

Objectives/Outcomes

• Use color: juxtaposition, mixing/layering.
• Integrate 2D and 3D materials harmoniously.
• Use tools and materials appropriately.
• Make independent choices.