Preschool
Youtube Video Links -
Book Reading Video - Little Blue Little Yellow
Book Reading Video - Little Blue Little Yellow
Colorful Caterpillar Color mixing
In this activity, students will have the opportunity to create a vibrant caterpillar using a unique mixing technique. With just a few simple steps, children will transform primary colors into a rainbow of shades and craft their very own caterpillar masterpiece.
The Project
Materials Needed:
1 tablespoon of red playdough per student
1 tablespoon of yellow playdough per student
1 tablespoon of blue playdough per student
1 plate per student
Popsicle stick for dividing playdough
Plastic Wrap
Small pipe cleaner pieces for antennae
Two Wiggly Eyes for each student
1 tablespoon of red playdough per student
1 tablespoon of yellow playdough per student
1 tablespoon of blue playdough per student
1 plate per student
Popsicle stick for dividing playdough
Plastic Wrap
Small pipe cleaner pieces for antennae
Two Wiggly Eyes for each student
Parent Prep Before the Project: About 30-40 Min
Measure and Prepare Playdough:
Begin by using a tablespoon to measure out one ball of playdough for each student in all three colors: red, blue, and yellow.
Flatten and Section Playdough:
Take each ball of playdough and flatten it using your hand. Next, using a chopstick, gently press down on the flattened playdough to cut it into quarters. Each color of playdough should now be divided into four equal sections.
Assemble on Paper Plates:
Take the sectioned pieces of playdough and place them onto small paper plates. Each student should have their own plate with the divided playdough sections neatly arranged. If you are going to the class soon you can stop there. If it will be a while, use the plastic wrap in the cupboards to wrap the playdough so that it does not dry out.
Prepare Pipe Cleaner Antennae:
Cut one pipe cleaner pieces for each student, each measuring 2 inches in length. These pipe cleaner pieces will be used to create the antennae for the caterpillar. Fold the pipe cleaner in half and make two small curls on the ends.
Measure and Prepare Playdough:
Begin by using a tablespoon to measure out one ball of playdough for each student in all three colors: red, blue, and yellow.
Flatten and Section Playdough:
Take each ball of playdough and flatten it using your hand. Next, using a chopstick, gently press down on the flattened playdough to cut it into quarters. Each color of playdough should now be divided into four equal sections.
Assemble on Paper Plates:
Take the sectioned pieces of playdough and place them onto small paper plates. Each student should have their own plate with the divided playdough sections neatly arranged. If you are going to the class soon you can stop there. If it will be a while, use the plastic wrap in the cupboards to wrap the playdough so that it does not dry out.
Prepare Pipe Cleaner Antennae:
Cut one pipe cleaner pieces for each student, each measuring 2 inches in length. These pipe cleaner pieces will be used to create the antennae for the caterpillar. Fold the pipe cleaner in half and make two small curls on the ends.
Instructions:
Start with the students on the carpet and read the book "Little Blue, Little Yellow" by Leo Lionni. You can also use the link at the top of this page for a video of the book being read.
Do a demonstration of the entire project for the students at the carpet. Try to engage them in the steps and ask them questions. Show them how they will squish the playdough together to mix the colors and how to roll it into a ball at the end.
When you have shown them the entire project have the students go back to their tables to begin.
This project works best with an adult at each table helping the students.
Creating Colorful Balls:
Students will take two pieces of playdough at a time and roll them together in a ball. We will be going in the order of the rainbow as we go along.
Start with 2 quarters of red playdough and mix them into a ball.
Then continue in the following order:
Arranging the Caterpillar:
Students will line up their colorful playdough balls on the plate, creating a caterpillar shape.
Adding Antennae:
To add a whimsical touch to their caterpillar creation, students can carefully insert two small pipe cleaner pieces into the red ball at the front of the caterpillar. These pipe cleaner pieces will serve as the caterpillar's antennae, giving it an adorable and playful appearance.
Add Wiggly Eyes
The last step to finish your caterpillar creation. Add two wiggly eyes to the front.
Start with the students on the carpet and read the book "Little Blue, Little Yellow" by Leo Lionni. You can also use the link at the top of this page for a video of the book being read.
Do a demonstration of the entire project for the students at the carpet. Try to engage them in the steps and ask them questions. Show them how they will squish the playdough together to mix the colors and how to roll it into a ball at the end.
When you have shown them the entire project have the students go back to their tables to begin.
This project works best with an adult at each table helping the students.
Creating Colorful Balls:
Students will take two pieces of playdough at a time and roll them together in a ball. We will be going in the order of the rainbow as we go along.
Start with 2 quarters of red playdough and mix them into a ball.
Then continue in the following order:
- Red - 2 red
- Orange - 1 red and 1 yellow
- Yellow - 2 yellow
- Green - 1 yellow 1 blue
- Blue - 2 blue
- Purple - 1 blue 1 red
Arranging the Caterpillar:
Students will line up their colorful playdough balls on the plate, creating a caterpillar shape.
Adding Antennae:
To add a whimsical touch to their caterpillar creation, students can carefully insert two small pipe cleaner pieces into the red ball at the front of the caterpillar. These pipe cleaner pieces will serve as the caterpillar's antennae, giving it an adorable and playful appearance.
Add Wiggly Eyes
The last step to finish your caterpillar creation. Add two wiggly eyes to the front.