Straw Stamped Shamrocks

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:

develop fine motor skills
participate in an art activity using new materials

Straw Stamped Shamrocks

CDA Competency Standard:

II.7.1a

Activities and materials encourage children to express themselves through the visual arts
- a) Art materials and activities are available for children daily

Materials:

paper
paint (edible paint can be used)
straws
scissors
shamrock template (Click here)
pencil or pen

Procedure:

Place the paper, paint and straws in an appropriate area.
Invite the toddler to create with you
After the child is done, allow the paint to dry.
Use a shamrock template as a stencil by tracing around it with a pen or a pencil.
Cut out the shamrocks and display them around your classroom for parents and guests to see

Assessment:

Observe and record the child’s fine motor skills. Did they control the straw and use it as a stamp? Be sure to take pictures of the activity to place with the finished piece.

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.