Preschoolers love ducks and paint. Why not bring the two together and paint a duck with a puddle and a duck?
I surfed the net and found this yellow duck craft, but instead of using brushes to paint the paper plate, we used a toy rubber duck.
Have the child grab the duck by the head and plop the duck in the yellow puddle. They paint the white, non-coated paper plate by tapping and swirling the paint all over to cover the plate with pretty 'sunshine' yellow paint. Little hands can easily hold on to the duck without getting much paint on their fingers.
I surfed the net and found this yellow duck craft, but instead of using brushes to paint the paper plate, we used a toy rubber duck.
Have the child grab the duck by the head and plop the duck in the yellow puddle. They paint the white, non-coated paper plate by tapping and swirling the paint all over to cover the plate with pretty 'sunshine' yellow paint. Little hands can easily hold on to the duck without getting much paint on their fingers.
This is a two day activity with DAY ONE---painting and DAY TWO---assembling the duck. In preschool, after we paint our paper plates, we learn about floating and sinking with bins of water and various items we find in and around the classroom. The kids have a great time guessing what will sink and what will float. Yes, we do get a little wet, but water dries quickly and the kids have a ton of fun learning about floating and sinking.
DAY TWO--- I fold the paper plate and (depending on the age of the child) I trace and cut out each child's hands for tail feathers. I have an oval for a head, sticker eyes (you can use goggle eyes or paper ones), and two feet. 2-3 year olds have these cut for them. 4-5 year olds may cut the head, beak, and feet. The hands are very tricky for most preschoolers to cut...but I have seen it done! Use your judgement and patience level to decide how much cutting the child will do. My twos and threes do not cut with this craft. We have more fun and less frustration, painting and gluing on the parts.
Staple or glue the head and tail feathers on the duck. Our ducks stand up and 'waddle' so if the child wants to place one eye on each side of the head, they have that option. You can also adapt the beak to attach on the 'front' instead of the side of the head.
Note--- I folded a crease in the beak and each of the feet. the child puts glue on the creased 'tab' and places the parts on their duck.
Note--- I folded a crease in the beak and each of the feet. the child puts glue on the creased 'tab' and places the parts on their duck.
Here is a side view to see how our ducks waddle. Give the bird a little push and it will rock/waddle without falling over.
| | A few of my favorite books to read on Duck Day are: Little Quack One Duck Stuck Make Way for Ducklings |
My own 'little ducks' have grown up so fast. Despite being 17 years old, my 'middle duck' still enjoys trying out new crafts for me---thanks Katie:)
Have fun painting ducks with a puddle of paint and enjoy spring with your little ones!
---Anne
Have fun painting ducks with a puddle of paint and enjoy spring with your little ones!
---Anne
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