The panda bear is a beloved animal in China and throughout the world. A panda bear theme could fall into a greater preschool lesson plan, such as bears or endangered species. With the current popularity of the animated movie, Kungfu Panda, these craft suggestions are certain to be a hit within any early childhood environment.
Valentine's Panda Bear Craft
Traditionally, Valentine preschool crafts involve red and pink hearts. For variation, this activity involves different shaped black and white hearts. With the shapes, the preschool children can create their very own panda bear or as a gift for someone they love.
Material Needed:
Black Construction Paper
White Construction Paper
Googly Eyes
Glue
Scissors
Depending on the age of the children, the preschool teacher could prepare the different shaped hearts before hand. Alternatively, older preschool children could attempt to cut their own hearts which fosters fine motor skills. Either way, a template of different shaped hearts helps with the preparation. Half a heart template works well with this age group.
To be prepared before craft:
One large white heart
Two medium sized black hearts
Three small black hearts
Instructions:
The white shaped heart is used for the head of the panda bear. Placing it upside down, two medium sized black hearts can be glued onto the heart as ears, preferably upside down as well. The small black hearts will be used for the eyes finished with googly eyes. Finally, a black nose placed upside down creates the bear's nose.
Panda Bear Preschool Craft with Paper Plates
Material Needed:
Paper plates(or white construction paper)
Black construction paper
Pink or red paper
Glue
Scissors
Black Felt Pen
This panda bear can be created with circle shapes instead of heart shapes. A paper plate works well for the head and body. Black circles for the eyes and ears. The panda bear's nose and mouth can be drawn on by the preschooler. A few pink or red hearts may find a home on the panda bear, such as on its cheeks, tummy or heart area.
These particular preschool crafts could be demonstrated ahead of time at circle time, to help the children with the steps. Furthermore, the teacher's sample might be placed by the art table for reference. This art process encourages young children to follow direction, a skill that is important to develop for their success at school. At the same time, there will always be children that tend to think outside the box, and will want to create their unique versions with the material provided, something that should be permitted within a craft activity in an early childhood environment.
Christine Moore - Early Childhood Educator, Preschool/Daycare Resources, Online Workshop Instructor, ECE, BGS
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