This project is based on a parent favorite from Ms. Sharen Pearson's popular Goof and Giggle class in Phoenix. Ms. Pearson is always conscious to re-use and recycle materials that are easily found in the home. This is one of her many adorable projects. Let's get started.
What you need:
1 household latex glove
1 shower mesh ball
1 rubber band/hair tie
1 pair moveable eyes (mismatched is okay)
Permanent markers
Super glue
Scissors
How to:
Snip open each finger on the glove lengthwise. Slip the mesh ball into the glove with the rope hanging out towards the top of the glove. Gather the glove's wrist right above the ball and tie up snugly with rubber band or hair tie. Insert the thumb into the glove. You now have the head and eight legs.
To make a girl octopus, leave the glove tied up as is, (this girl cephalopod will be sporting a ponytail) and start working on the face. To make a boy octopus buddy, turn down the glove and leave the rope out. Then, fold up about a half-inch wide section; this forms a beanie on top of the head. Let your child create the silliest face he or she can dream up. Gluing the moveable eyes is a job for the grownups, unless you let them draw the eyes and the rest of the face. Let dry. Don't forget to let your child wear an old shirt; they call those markers 'permanent' for a reason. Or just send them off to the tub with their new buddy.
Goof and Giggle is a wonderful class that touches on areas of a young child's development. The class starts out with creating art from recycled materials ,followed by songs usually involving the finished project. Then it is on to exploration with kid-friendly tactile materials. Simply scooping and pouring dry rice, pasta or water and finding small objects within, is always a hit with the little ones. The next segment is movement where children get to play with balls, hoops, and the parachute. The class also touches on seasons, whether you and your child are taking a class in the fall or in the summer.
Ms. Pearson is host of "Baby D.I.Y." on Baby first TV, has an ongoing segment on Arizona Midday on 12 News, and teaches her Goof and Giggle class in several locations in Phoenix, including Children's Museum of Phoenix. Classes fill up quickly so mark your calendar for fall registration beginning Saturday, August 6, 2011. Her website is a great one-stop shop for Goof and Giggle class information, DIY activities, and Goofjuice DVDs. Visit www.sharenpearson.com for all of the above and more.
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