Leaf spirals

Our new art project for this week was inspired by a leaf spiral I saw a few weeks ago on Ramblings of a Crazy Woman.  I adapted it to make it easy for the children to complete independently.

The photo shows the tray that children take to their table to complete the activity. This tray is on the bottom of the art shelf.  In addition to the tray, they get a gluing mat which is also on the bottom of the art shelf.  On the tray are: pencil, scissors, glue, punched out leaves in various colors, and small paper plates with spirals drawn on them.  I used paper plates instead of construction paper because they are stiffer than paper and easier for the children to cut AND they are already in a circular shape which made for less prep work.

To do this activity, the child first takes the pencil and writes their name on the BACK of the plate.  Then, beginning at the red dot, they cut on the black line all the way to the center of the spiral as shown in the photo above. 

Next, they use the tap 'n' glue bottles to place a dot of glue on each black marker dot.  Then they stick one leaf on each dot of glue.  (NOTE:  When the children do this step, a vinyl gluing mat is under their work.  I didn't have that when I took the photo.)

When finished, they have a "boingy" leaf spiral to take home and hang up.

I like how this project combines cutting and gluing to further improve the children's fine motor skills as well as their ability to follow directions independently to complete a task.

Comments

[umm]

you should write a 'Montessori way' art book!
thanks again!

[Anna]

Where do you buy that glue from? I'd love to get some for my sunday school class.

[Lisa]

I can't wait to do this with my son! Love your blog!

[RM]

there is something for you at my place, swing by and get it

[RM]

Thereis something for you at my place, swing by and collect

[Amy @ Let's Explore]

I love seeing how you break-down and prepare your projects so the kiddos can have success doing them independently. Thanks for sharing! :)