Do something different for Easter. Instead of decorating eggs that break (or spoil in the case of hard-boiled eggs). Let them make a bevy of these whimsical Easter Egg Monsters.
Suggested Age
2.5 years to 99 years
Supplies
- foam Easter eggs
- pipe cleaners
- adhesive
- google eyes
- scissors or pliers for cutting the pipe cleaners
- pom poms, buttons, and other accessories
Instructions
- Make a sample Easter Egg Monster to show the children (make your example strange and wacky, avoid making it look like anything or anyone specific (break the rules). It is important for the children to know that this is a craft where there are no expectations as to what the end result should look like).
- Give the children their supplies and let them do whatever they want to create their own unique monster. Do not interfere with their efforts. Help them as little as possible. Do only what is necessary for the safety of the younger children (such as cutting pipe cleaners).
Suggestions and Ideas for Your Easter Egg Monster
- The remarkable thing about this project is how creative the children are. Freed from the restraints of expectation, they make what pleases them and they are very specific about their design. Heaven forbid that an adult should interfere.
- Give the children a table for a stage and have them narrate their own story using their egg monsters. You will find their performance entertaining and thoroughly delightful.
- Have an Easter Monster parade.
- Decorate your Easter bonnet with a few of these friendly creations.
- Modify an egg carton to make a house or beds for the ‘monsters’ to live in.
- If foam Easter Eggs are unavailable or it isn’t Easter, give your children a bunch of scraps of foam or construction paper in all sorts of irregular shapes, some google eyes, and glue and let them go to crazy making monsters out of the odds and ends.
About the Sample Project
This project was quickly thrown together with what was on hand, it was an instant hit, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the children (ages 3 through 6) who enjoyed telling elaborate fantasy stories with their creatures (Figure 4.)
Younger children in particular will enjoy this project since pushing pipe cleaners into foam is something well within their skill level.
The creatures can be redesigned regularly. They are rather like a very creative, home-made Mr. Potato Head toy. The nice thing about this craft is that you end up with a toy that is disposable since you didn’t buy a toy in the first place.
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