Early Childhood

The Essential Questions
How can we use different materials to create new things?

Objective
Students will explore recycling and sustainability, fine motor skills, texture and structure, and creating a sculpture.

Materials
foam (packaging, packing peanuts, etc.); pipe cleaners cut to various lengths; pom pom beads, buttons, and other recyclable items

Procedures
1. Show students the various materials and lead a discussion about recycling and reusing materials. How can students use the foam packaging and other materials to create something new?
2. Demonstrate attaching objects to a foam cube. Emphasize the fragility of foam and the importance of attaching materials carefully.
3. Distribute materials and allow time for play and exploration. Assist students individually as needed as they create their sculptures.
4. Photograph the completed artworks and ask students about what they have created.

Assessment
Did students explore different ways to use and attach the materials? Did students demonstrate fine motor skills when connecting the pieces? Did they use descriptive language when explaining their work?

Sue Liedke is an art teacher at Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.