In Peck's kindergarten, students study Eric Carle the author and in the art room they study Eric Carle the illustrator. Children are drawn to his colorful, imaginative illustrations and easily relate to his stories, which feature repetitive, predictable text and lovable characters inspired by creatures great and small. In honor of this, we have put together a dynamic, yet simple, DIY-project you can do at home with your budding artist.
One of my favorite Carle books is A House for Hermit Crab. This book tells the story of a little hermit crab who has outgrown his shell and must head out to find a new home. Along the way, he discovers new friends and exciting adventures. This story generates great conversation about change, growing up, and making new friends. This is an easy project you can do at home with your little one during your own study of Eric Carle!
Supplies:
- Red paint and assorted other colors of your choosing
- White cardstock paper
- Sponge
- Scissors
- Glue
- Tape
- Paintbrush
- Sharpie
- Googly eyes
- Pipe cleaners
- Paper plate to use as palette
Directions:
1. Apply red paint to child’s hand and press onto a piece of white card stock. Allow to dry. Cut.
2. Draw a swirl on white card stock in pencil for the hermit crab’s shell. Draw a line to connect the end of the swirl to the curve of the swirl. Trace in black sharpie. Cut.
3. Dab sponge in paint and lightly dab onto the hermit crab’s shell. Allow to dry. While pieces are drying, cut a small piece from the pipe cleaner and fold in half for the antennae.
4. Glue googly eyes to the ends of the pipe cleaner.
5. Attach the handprint to the shell of the hermit crab so that the fingers are pointing downwards. Attach the thumb to the back of the hermit crab’s shell.
6. Glue or tape the pipe cleaner to the back of the handprint so that the eyes stick out above the handprint.