Feed the Frog

crayola supplies

Markers
Washable Kid's Paint
So Big® Brush
Blunt-Tip Scissors

household supplies

recycled newspaper
stapler and staples
paper towels
coffee filters
ribbon
recycled cardboard

Why

Invite a frog to your birthday party! Make the frog part of the game ahead of time. Guests design the insects, then toss them onto the frog's long red tongue.

Steps

1. Make the frog for this party game several days in advance. Fold a rectangular piece of recycled cardboard (such as an opened, flattened cereal box) in half so long ends meet to make a center line. Unfold. Fold the cardboard so short ends meet.
2. Use Crayola® Scissors to cut the frog's mouth by cutting into the fold along the center line. Cut about 2/3 of the way to the edges of the folded cardboard. Ask a grown-up to help with the cutting. Unfold cardboard. Cut two small rectangles of recycled cardboard (for frog eyes) and fold them in half.
3. Spread recycled newspaper over your art area. Paint the larger cardboard with green Crayola Washable Kid's Paint using a Crayola So Big Brush. Paint the smaller rectangles to look like a frog's eyes. Dry.
4. Mix a little red, brown, or black paint into some green paint to create a darker green. Make dots on the frog by dipping the tip of your paint brush into the darker green and then onto the painted cardboard. Dry.
5. Assemble your frog by slightly bending the cardboard at the middle line so the mouth pops open. Staple the fold at each side of the cardboard, attaching a piece of ribbon at each staple location. Tie ribbons together to keep sides bent back so the frog stands. Glue a long piece of red paper inside of the open mouth so that it extends in front of the frog. Glue the eyes to the frog. Dry.
6. At the party, cover an art area with newspaper. Ask guests to use Crayola Washable Markers to decorate coffee filter bugs to Feed the Frog. Fold filters into quarters, then hold markers in one spot until the dye seeps through the filter layers. Make colorful dot designs.
7. Gather the coffee filter in the middle and tie with a ribbon to make bugs to feed the hungry frog. Take turns tossing the bugs onto the frog's tongue.

When & Where

"My son's birthday party hopped with this game! Kids wanted to play Feed the Frog over and over."
- Suzanne D., mother of ages 5 and 7.

"Feed the Frog is a rainy day favorite. I keep coffee filters on hand so children can make new bugs every time."
- Janet J., family child care provider.

Interesting Info

Frogs are found all over the world except Antarctica. Did you ever notice that frogs don't have outer ears? A frog's eardrums are exposed on the sides of its head. Sound waves vibrate the eardrum membranes so the frog can hear.

Safety Guidelines

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

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.