Objective
Children will create a fluffy penguin using cotton balls, glue, and paper cutouts. This activity helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and animal recognition.
Materials Needed
- Penguin outline sheets (printed on brown paper)
- Cotton balls
- Glue sticks (one per child)
- Orange paper cutouts (beak and feet)
- Small plates for cutouts
- Example penguin for display
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Hand Out Materials
Give each child:
- One penguin outline sheet
- A glue stick
- Access to cotton balls and orange paper cutouts
Step 2: Add Cotton to the Body
- Show children how to place glue inside the penguin’s belly and body area.
- Have them stick cotton balls down, covering the penguin’s white body.
- Encourage them to stretch or fluff the cotton for a softer look.
Step 3: Attach Beak and Feet
- Children will glue the small orange cutouts onto the penguin’s face (beak) and bottom (feet).
- Remind them to press gently so the pieces stick.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Allow children to compare their penguins with the sample.
- Encourage creativity: every penguin can look a little different!
Learning Benefits
- Fine Motor Skills: Tearing cotton, handling glue, and placing pieces carefully.
- Creativity: Choosing how fluffy or big their penguin looks.
- Animal Recognition: Learning penguin features like belly, beak, and feet.
- Independence: Following guided steps while making their own choices.
Extension Ideas
- Pair the activity with a penguin storybook (e.g., “Tacky the Penguin”).
- Display finished penguins on a classroom board to make a “penguin colony.”
- Add a short discussion about how penguins live in cold places and stay warm.