Coffee Filter Jellyfish

Lesson Plan:

Activity:

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed

Age Group:

Toddlers

* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with preschoolers.

Objectives:

Child will:

create a unique piece of artwork
practice fine motor skills by manipulating a marker

Coffee Filter Jellyfish

CDA Competency Standard:

II.7.4a

Candidate promotes individual expression and creativity
- a) Encourages creative self-expression in children’s activities

Materials:

Coffee filters
markers
glue
streamers
tissue
spray bottle
water

Procedure:

Invite students to draw on coffee filters with markers (each jellyfish requires 2 filters). When the child is finished, have them help you spray the filters with water using the spray bottle. When dry, place a few tissues in the center of one of the filters (this will create volume) and glue the other filter on top. Glue streamers onto the bottom to act as the tentacles. Allow to dry and hang from the ceiling to display their art and create an underwater classroom.

Assessment:

Observe and record the child as they are creating. How are their fine motor skills developing? Were they able to control the marker? How did they react to their finished artwork that was displayed?

Note: Please provide appropriate supervision to the children in your care when completing all activities. You will need to decide what types of activities are safe for the children in your care. Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when providing art and sensory experiences for children. Toddlers require special caution, only use non-toxic materials, and do not allow toddlers to put things in their mouths that are a choking hazard.

Online Early Childhood Education

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Keeping Art Safe for Toddlers

Toddlers naturally like to explore and get into things. Keeping them occupied with art activities lets them explore in a more controlled setting and provides valuable parent-child interaction time. Many of the art supplies designed for older children are not safe for toddlers. Since many toddlers still like to explore the world through their mouth, edible and natural materials can be safer, but make sure he doesn't try to eat any supplies that present choking hazards. Always supervise toddlers during art activities, but let them explore and create their own masterpieces. The end result is not as important as the process of creative exploration and sensory awareness.