So a few months ago we started a new activity each month that related to a book from our bookshelf. If you head to my activity section in the top book marks, you will be able to see more.
This month we have decided to base our activity on a book called Worst In show. The book is about a little boy and his pet monster. The little boy enters him into a best in show monster competition. There are all types of monsters in this competition but the boys monster isn't very scary and looses. The boy doesn't mind not having a scary monster though as he loves him the way he is.
So I thought for our activity this month, we would design our own monsters.
Now, I have made this activity a little more simple for Lily and her age range, but you could go all out with this activity using all sorts of materials. What ever you can think of to make your monster you could use.
But if you are looking for a basic activity then you could simply buy a pack of coloured foam, and then all you need is paper and glue.
If your child is a little older than Lily (who is nearly 3) then they may want to cut out their own shapes. If not then you could cut them out for them, like I did for Lily.
I asked Lily what colours she wanted to use. I also asked her if she wanted a spiked monster or a circle monster so then she was helping towards the design of it. Her first monster she made was a spiky one. She chose green foam for the head.
She then helped me choose colours for the eyes, and nose and mouth. She knew exactly where on the face she had to stick down the face features. Lily also wanted to give this monster hair.
Our second monster Lily chose red and wanted it to be round. I cut her out a shape and she stuck it onto the paper. We then added eyes, nose, mouth and Lily wanted to give it some sharp teeth. I think this monster was a little scarier than the first monster we made.
The great thing about using foam to make these is that it makes them stand out from the paper as you can layer up the pieces of foam. Its a really nice mess free activity.
If your child is a little older and has read this book, they may want to add on things that were in the competition, like warts, hair and have them breathe fire.
This activity is also perfect for halloween. So if anyone makes any of these over the next few weeks, please tweet them to me at @lilyslearners as we would love to see and will always retweet.
Do you think you will give this activity a go?
What would your monster look like?
What would your monster look like?
Very adorable monsters!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Think I'll plan something similar for our day off together, then we can use them as Halloween decorations too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea! And a great way to get inspiration for activities too! Might have to give that a go!
ReplyDeleteLooks great fun
ReplyDeleteDidn't Lily do well
Maybe. I like the sound of the book. Not sure.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
Lots of fun for the kids
ReplyDeleteI am inspired to give this a go
ReplyDeleteGreat monsters
ReplyDeleteAmazing, my children have just made their own monsters as well!
ReplyDeleteI suspect our monster would end up looking like a dinosaur but yes we will certainly give it a go. I like the children to try to be creative.
ReplyDeleteReminded me of many years ago :- Dog shows. My brother got started with dog shows quite by accident. He had been walking the dog in a nearby village, came across Agricultural Show. This also had a dog show, so he entered the dog. On getting a prize he thought maybe she is a good example for her breed. So later applied to attend official dog show in another town. Seems she was a nice example of her breed, as another prize was gained :- This absolutely delighted my brother, as he was also breeder. Having bred his own dog following loss of her companion (my Mum's dog). She had been grieving and we were concerned for her health, and a relative had suggested breeding with her dog. They kept a pup and so did we (my Mum's new pet dog) our was same colour as one which was gone, whilst the remainder of the litter darker in colouring.
ReplyDeleteSo good memories of some dog shows, as I attended some with my brother. Dog seemed to enjoy shows also. She was very sociable. Mum just loved her pet, and particularly as she had been born at home and Mum had witnessed birth. Great experience to see growth and development, as well as interactions. Wonderful memories.
Rachel Craig
Arts and Crafts can be great fun for children.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
This looks like a great activity, and like you say, it creates very little mess, which is always a bonus!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great fun, fun way to get creative :)
ReplyDeleteMy kids love anything to do with monsters so will give it a go. I think ours will look cool too
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic book, we would definitely give it a go, and our monster would be pink and fluffy if I know my Megan xXx
ReplyDeleteMy daughter Sheriah would love to give it a go her monster would probably be big and green
ReplyDeleteWill Lilly be making some nice Christmas cards this year!
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
Unconditional Love!
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
Ahh how lovely. We do this too! Really nice way to theme a days activities x
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun idea she looks like she is loving it! X
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. This would be good to do with my grandson.
ReplyDeleteGreat monster design Lily' I hope that we can make some just as fab
ReplyDeleteI remember doing similar things when I was a child,great fun
ReplyDeleteI love this idea!! Your ideas are fab, I am always stuck for things to keep her entertained and things we can do together and this is a great one.
ReplyDeleteCan picture mostgoods love making monsters all souds fun
ReplyDeleteLooks great fun for the little ones, gets their imaginations flowing
ReplyDeleteI love the finished monsters and the colours that Lily chose to use!
ReplyDeleteThat monster looks very fierce indeed!
ReplyDelete