Your young child is developing a growing interest in self-expression and is learning to create symbolic representations of objects through drawing or painting. This fun project can help him create the likeness of his favorite animals while strengthening fine motor skills.
Animal Masks will also develop your child’s ability to use scissors and gives him experience with drawing tools.
You’ll need:
- thick white construction paper or card stock (8.5" x 11")
- a variety of drawing tools, such as pencil, marker, crayons, glitter pens, puff paint and paint pens
- child-safe scissors
- single-hole punch
- yarn or string
Help your child draw a large circle on the paper, big enough to cover his face. Then, ask your child to decorate the mask and create an animal face. Help him to cut out the mask, making sure the eyes are positioned so that he will be able to see. Give him the hole punch and ask him to punch one hole on either side of the mask. Tie yarn or sting through the holes to fit the mask to his face.
Once he is wearing the mask, ask him questions about the animal he has “become.” What sounds does he make? How does he walk? What does he eat? Then, act out a simple story using the mask. If your story has other characters, make a mask for them as well.
Have fun with creative activities and pretend play!
Excerpted and used with permission from the Gryphon House book, Everyday Play: Fun Games to Develop the Fine Motor Skills Your Child Needs for School by Christy Isbell.
