Creatures of the Night
Chase away nighttime fears by reading books and drawing creatures of the imagination.
1. Share ideas about scary creatures of your imagination. Describe the creatures in terms of shapes, colors, textures, sounds, and sizes. Compile a list of descriptive words.
2. On a large sheet of dark construction paper, lightly sketch a scary Creature of the Night with Crayola® Construction Paper Crayons.
3. Fill the shape with color. Experiment first on scrap paper if these are new techniques: Blend colors by overlapping them. Make a heavy layer of color, then draw over it with another bright or deep color. Put a pad of paper or a magazine underneath the paper for smoother crayon laydown. Do crayon rubbings by removing the paper wrapper, placing paper on a textured surface (such as screens or doilies), and rubbing with the side of the crayon. Make two thick layers of crayon, then scratch off the top layer with an open paper clip. If a technique works well, cut it out with Crayola Scissors. Use Crayola Glue Sticks to attach any crayon rubbings.
4. Glue the list of descriptive words to the back of the drawing. Children describe characteristics of each other's creations, and see how closely the word list matches these descriptions.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
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.
- Especially with young children, make certain that they feel comfortable during the discussion and creation of their artwork. Fears can be very real to preschoolers. Offer plenty of reassurance.
- Write original stories that involve the imaginary creatures, either in small groups or individually.
- Create a crayon rubbing center. Ask families to donate textured items such as sandpaper or plastic mats, as well as broken crayons. Children can experiment with different textures, inside and outdoors, and with various types of paper.
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