Wind in My Sails

crayola supplies

Colored Pencils
Washable Watercolors
Watercolor Brushes with Plastic Handle
Giant Marker and Watercolor Pad

household supplies

recycled newspaper
paper towels
container(s) of water

Why

Ahoy, mates! Capture the thrill of billowing sails on a breezy summer's day.

Steps

1. Waterways used to be people's highways. Sailing boats carried freight and passengers, engaged in wars, and explored the world. Now in most countries, sailboats are used primarily for pleasure. Can you find places where people still work for their living on sail boats?
2. Watch a sailboat on water, on video, or on TV. See how sailors balance the power of water and wind to control their sailboats. Imagine how it feels to be blown across the water by the wind!
3. Sketch an outline of an exciting sailing scene with Crayola® Colored Pencils. Is the water calm or choppy? Are the skies sunny or cloudy? What kind of sailing boats do you see? What shapes and colors are their sails? Are the boats in a regatta or doing work?
4. Cover your art area with newspaper. Use a Crayola Watercolor Paints and Brushes to fill your ship's sails and create a watery background. Dry.

When & Where

"My children explored how sailboats move with models. They saw simple machines at work."
- Mary Ellen T., home-school mom of a 6- and 9-year olds.

"We follow our children's gallery tours with these dramatic drawings. Kids tell great stories about their boats."
- Crystalle D., museum volunteer.

Interesting Info

Sailors have their own language and specific words for every boat part and action. This prevents mistakes when giving orders to crewmates. Precious moments are saved when a sailor says, "Cleat the jib halyard," instead of pointing to a rope and trying to describe what to do.

Safety Guidelines

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.