Art is such a powerful way for children to own information. In science when we learn about an animal I try to find a way for the children to recreate that animal's “habitat.”
I read and talked about some of the facts about the hibernating bears. The children love creating these habitats. It is a powerful way for children to talk about what they have learned. They can also “play” with the habitats and re-enact what that animal does!
To make the paper sack den cut off 2 1/2 to 3 inches of the brown bag.
Cut a hole at the bottom of the bag. This is the entry into the den.
Fold the top over and glue (or tape).
This is the most important step! Press the top down to flatten the top. Then put your fingers inside the den and push the sides out a bit. This gives it that den feeling!
I let the children use their own drawing to make the bears, cubs, fish, or whatever else they decide to include.
One student's bear.
The last step is to paint with snow! To make snow paint – squirt shaving cream into a cup. Squeeze a good dollop of glue into the cup, a small dollop of white paint and stir.
Apply snow where desired!
I love this idea! I plan on using it next year during our study of Hibernaiton it will be a great activity to add to our Hibernation Party as well as a good culminating activity! Thank you so much for sharing!
What a great idea! I liked it so much that I linked it up on my Reggio Emilia Wednesday blog post so that my readers will come over to check it out on your blog.
Here is the link:
http://sunriselearninglab.blogspot.com/2011/01/bahamas-blast.html
Love your blog! I look forward to getting your posts each day via email.
Have a happy weekend,
Colleen:)
What a wonderful idea! I have a site Itsy Bitsy Learners, would it be possible to include a link to this from our preschool site so others can visit you and see this project!
Your link would appear on this page, in the Animals in Winter section:
http://www.itsybitsylearners.com/januarythemes.html
I am so happy you guys are sharing it! It is one of those projects the children take such ownership! Thank you for dropping in and for your support!
and the paint dries…? thanks:) Love it!
Yes, the paint dries completely!