Early learning goals for toddlers include creative development. "The creative arts, including music, movement, dramatic play, puppetry, painting, sculpture, and drawing, are a crucial part of early childhood. Not only do the arts allow children to express themselves, but creative activity can enhance development of children's skills in literacy, science, math, social studies, and more” according to “ Spotlight on Young Children and the Creative Arts ” by Derry Koralek [NAEYC, 2005]. Art, therefore, nurtures creativity.
Preschool teachers and daycare providers have the opportunity to promote creative development by providing art activities that explore media and materials and encourage imagination.
This craft activity is perfect for the Fourth of July and is an excellent example of an opportunity to foster expression, to encourage spontaneity in material usage, and to introduce children to textured materials.
This Independence Day lesson plan includes the materials list, preparation instructions, and procedures for this activity. It also includes age appropriate learning objectives and samples of the simple, supporting verbal cues necessary to encourage participation and support learning.
Patriotic Fan Materials List
- Wooden paint stir stick
- 1 8-inch square of blue card stock
- 1 8-inch square of white card stock
- Glue
- Red tape
- Star shaped stickers
- Butcher Paper
Activity Preparation
Gather materials. Cover a table with butcher paper. Lay out all materials on the activity table.
Procedures for Patriotic Fan
- Invite the children over and explain to them that they can create beautiful patriotic flags.
- Help children glue the top of the wooden stick between the two pieces of card stock. Allow to dry completely.
- Show children how to lay the strips of red tape to the card stock to create stripes.
- Encourage children to stick the stars on the blue card stock.
Patriotic Fan Learning Objectives
Objective 1
To provide the opportunity for expressive activities by encouraging the children to create patriotic fans.
- Verbal Cue A: “Today we are going to create patriotic fans!"
- Verbal Cue B: "I have lots of colorful paper and decorations for you to use.
Objective 2
To encourage spontaneity in material usage by allowing the children to choose colors.
- Verbal Cue A: "Which color would you like use on your fan first?”
- Verbal Cue B: "I like the way you are using your colors!"
Objective 3
To promote the sharing of art materials to foster social interaction and cooperation
- Verbal Cue A: "Let’s take turns using the stickers.”
- Verbal Cue B: "Can you let Jacob use the red tape?”
This patriotic fan art activity is a creative arts project that children ages 3 and older will certainly enjoy. Use a wide variety of colors and encourage sensory discoveries. For more daycare and preschool activities, see Online Preschool Lesson Plans.
Carla Snuggs - As a writer for Suite101.com since 2005, it is a privilege to continue on as theTopic Editor for the subject of Day Care. I received a ...
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