Autumn Scratchings

crayola supplies

Paint Brushes
Crayons
Artista II® Washable Tempera Paint
Construction Paper

household supplies

recycled newspaper
paper towels
container(s) of water
plastic dinnerware

Why?

Make a scratch-out picture with paint over crayon to show some signs of the season.

Steps

1. What are some of the signs of changing seasons? How do you know it is fall? What symbols remind you of autumn? How do seasonal changes differ in temperate and tropical climates?
2. Using Crayola® Crayons, rub heavy patches of traditional fall colors on white construction paper. Fill the whole sheet with vibrant colors.
3. Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Paint over the entire crayon design with black Crayola Tempera Paint using a Crayola Paint Brush, color the entire sheet. Dry.
4. Using plastic dinnerware as an etching tool, scratch pictures in the paint. You might include trees, leaves, pumpkins, gourds, acorns, nuts, berries, fruits, or vegetables.

adaptations

Adaptive equipment, or a partner, may be needed for some children with special needs to complete these steps.

Find various shapes and sizes of leaves. Lay each leaf on construction paper and rub over it with fall-colored Crayola Crayons so the veins and outline of the leaves show.

Using leaves and fall shades of Crayola Crayons, create sheets of crayon rubbings. Cut out different sizes and shapes of leaves to create a bulletin board tree.

benefits

Students understand the concept of changing seasons and weather.

Students recognize signs of autumn such as fallen acorns and leaves turning colors.

Students design a fall picture done by scratching designs in paint applied on top of crayon.

grades

Pre-K and Kindergarten
Grades 1 to 3
Special Needs

subjects

Science
Visual Arts

time

30 to 60 minutes
Multiple Sessions

curriculum standards links

US: Research U.S. Standards
UK: Research UK Standards
Canada: Research Canada Standards

safety guidelines

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