Kindergarten Turtles

We created these turtles for the first time late last school year, and I knew they had to be in the Night of the Arts this year.  They are adorable and the kindergartners loved their turtles and the process for making them.

On the first day of this lesson, we made green, and more green, and more green until the paper plates (buy the thick ones!) were filled.  Some students took their time and delicately painted every speck, taking nearly the entire forty-five minute class period.  I don't want to rush anyone when they are working so well, so we do the printing during the next class.  I try to do this lesson after other printing lessons to build on those skills.  During the second day of making the turtles, we also trace the shapes for the legs and head.  We draw the eyes with oil pastels and cut and glue the pieces to finish up the turtles on the third day of the lesson. 

And then if we have a few extra moments, I let them play with their sweet turtles, because what five or six year old wouldn't want to?