If you’re looking for a fun activity for you and your kids while the wintry weather keeps you indoors — look no further. This craft was a big success with my kids; they loved the combination of colors on the penguins, especially the bright orange beak and feet. They also really enjoyed exploring the different textures, from the smooth felt to the plastic googly eyes and the bumpy egg carton exterior. This sensory aspect added an unexpected layer of learning to our craft day.
If your kids are younger, this craft is great for the development of fine motor skills. I, personally, loved seeing the look of concentration on my little ones’ faces as they carefully stuck the eyes on their penguins. If you want to extend the activity into imaginative play, invite your kids to create a home for them.
Another great way to engage your kids is to ask them to discuss where they think penguins live and what kind of food they might eat. You can also check out the trailer for the National Geographic documentary “March of the Penguins” to see some of this animal’s amazing exploits and challenges. Then, practice your waddles around the house!
Materials:
- 1 egg carton
- 1 pair of scissors
- 2 paintbrushes
- 2 paint cups
- 1 bottle of black paint
- 1 bottle of white paint
- 5-x-5-inch piece of orange felt
- 1 bottle of glue
- 6 googly eyes (2 per penguin)
Step 1:
Separate the egg cups of the egg carton. If this is difficult to do, use the scissors to cut between the egg cups. You will need 1 egg cup per penguin.
Step 2:
Pour some black paint into a paint cup. Paint each egg cup completely black with one paintbrush. Let the egg cups dry before continuing.
Step 3:
Pour some white paint into a paint cup. Using the other paintbrush, paint a white semicircle on one side of each of the egg cups. This is the penguin’s belly. Wait for the paint to dry completely before continuing.
Step 4:
Next, use the scissors to cut the feet and beaks out of the felt. Cut out a heart for each set of feet. Then, cut out a triangle for each beak.
Step 5:
Cut a heart right down the middle. Apply glue to each half and secure them on the bottom of the egg cups so that they look like feet. Apply glue to the triangle and glue it right over the white belly. Apply glue to 2 googly eyes and stick them over the belly.
Your penguin is complete!
Looking for more hands-on crafts your kids can enjoy? Kiwi Crate makes it simple by delivering materials and educational resources for two to three kid-friendly projects right to your door, every month!
SOURCE:http://www.marthastewart.com/1103858/winter-crafts-kids-egg-carton-penguins