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 Halloween and fall. It is an excellent example of an opportunity to foster expression, to encourage spontaneity in material usage, and to introduce children to textured materials.
This Halloween 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.
Halloween Wreath Materials List
White construction paper
Scissors
Pencil
Markers (black and orange)
Crayons (black and orange)
Sturdy paper plates
Glue
Butcher Paper
String or yarn
Stapler
Activity Preparation
- Trace leaves on construction paper and cut them out.
- Gather materials. Cover a table with butcher paper. Lay out all materials on the activity table.
Procedures for Halloween Leaf Wreath
Invite the children over and explain to them that they can make a Halloween wreath made of colorful leaves.
Encourage children to color the leaves orange and black
Show children glue the leaves onto the paper plate ring.
Allow to dry and staple a loop of string to the top of the wreath for hanging.
Halloween Leaf Wreath Learning Objectives
Objective 1
To provide the opportunity for expressive activities by encouraging the children to create a Halloween leaf wreath.
Verbal Cue A: “Today we are going to a Halloween wreath made of leaves!"
Verbal Cue B: "I have lots of leaves for you to color today”.
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 leaves 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 crayons.”
Verbal Cue B: "Can you let Andy use the glue?”
This Halloween craft 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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