Arts and crafts is an enjoyable way for kids to learn about nature and develop their creativity and coordination skills while enhancing their connections with their environment.
Early years art teacher Jacob Dong led his Year 1 class into the world of minibeasts. In line with their current Unit of Investigation on sustainability, Mr. Dong and his class used recycled materials to create their artworks.
Materials:
1. one recycled bottle
2. one long sock
3. four pipe cleaners
4. two buttons
5. some bead
Steps:
First things first: Create your minibeast’s body!
1) Choose your favorite bottle shape.
2) Take a colorful long sock (or cut a long stocking).
3) Make sure one end of the sock is closed; otherwise, tie a knot and turn the sock inside out to hide the knot.
4) Slide the bottle inside the sock.
Second, your minibeast needs antennae and eyes!
1) Tie a pipe cleaner around the bottleneck and twist both ends together.
2) Shape the antennae as you like.
3) Slide one button and some beads onto each end of the pipe cleaners to give your minibeast big eyes.
Finally, minibeasts have six legs, don’t they?
1) For each pair of legs, twist one pipe cleaner around the body, and make sure the legs face the ground, opposite the antennas.
2) Twist the legs into the right shape.
Images: Dulwich College of Beijing
This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 Graduation issue
