Which Animals Are Like Me

1. Have students make a list of interesting animals. What are some qualities that describe how they look or act? (lions=fierce, stealthy; giraffes=tall, graceful; turtles=steady, deliberate).
2. Ask students which of these animals are they most like? Which qualities do they have in common? Choose three animals that are similar. Use Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils to sketch an imaginary animal that combines features of all three!
3. Cover the work area with recycled newspaper. Use Crayola Air-Dry Clay to sculpt the animal. Students work on a paper plate to shape a fanciful creature that has some of their best qualities.
4. Paint an imaginary creature with Crayola Washable Watercolors. Use several coats for deep hues. Air-dry the animal for at least 3 days before handling.
5. Share the imaginary animals with classmates. Ask students what they learned about their classmates?

LA: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

LA: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade level topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

LA: Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).

LA: Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

LA: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.

VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.

VA: Select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of ideas.

Possible classroom resources include: Crazy Like a Fox: A Simile Story by Loreen Leedy; Skin Like Milk, Hair of Silk: What Are Similes and Metaphors? By Brian P. Cleary; Stubborn as a Mule and Other Silly Similes (Ways to Say It) by Nancy Jean Loewen

Encourage students to create exhibition labels for their animals that identify the unique qualities they possess.

Students use cardboard, craft sticks, and Crayola Tempera Paint, construct a school zoo to showcase the animal creations.