I chose to do this project because many kids love monsters and enjoy using their imagination to bring characters to life. We’ve had a great time with popsicle stick puppets, and the kids always seem to enjoy creating their own monsters and then using their imaginations to play with them later. For this project, I aimed to guide the kids in adding details and textures to their monster creations. To make it more engaging, I designed a dice game that adds a fun element, allowing the kids to have plenty of choices in how they create their unique monsters.
MATERIALS NEEDED
- Jumbo popsicle sticks
- Magnets
- Hot glue gun (with extra glue sticks)
- Cardstock paper
- Printer
- Paper cutter
- Liquid glue or glue sticks (liquid glue is preferred for this project)
- Textured materials
- Googly eyes
- Yarn (having a variety of yarn in similar colors for hair is helpful)
- Yarn strips
- Foam paper
- Texture scissors
- Cotton balls
- Colored construction paper
- Sequins
- Buttons
DIRECTIONS
Introducing the Monster Art Project
I like to begin the Monster Art Project by showing the children my version of the final product. This way, when I explain the steps, they can grasp the big picture. By creating the project myself beforehand, I also gain insights into what aspects are easy and which ones might be more challenging.
First, I showcased my monster popsicle puppets and we discussed the concept of texture. I emphasized that adding details can make any project more engaging and interesting. This sets the stage for the kids to explore their creativity as they embark on their own monster creations!
Guided Practice with the Create a Monster Dice Game
It can be tempting to just provide directions and jump right into independent practice. However, starting any new skill, lesson, or project together with guidance helps children gain a much deeper understanding of what they can do. (You can download the game here.)
To kick off this project, I rolled a die and had the children follow along as we created our first monster together. For the next monster, I rolled the die again, giving them the choice to either follow my lead or create their own unique version. After that, they had the opportunity to design one or two additional monsters independently. This collaborative approach encourages creativity while building confidence in their abilities!
Coloring the Monsters
Once everyone had drawn their monsters, I distributed my monster templates. One set of templates featured missing elements, while the other set included completed monsters that I had drawn earlier. This variety provided the children with multiple entry points into the project.
While one aspect involved drawing their own monsters, the other aspect focused on adding texture. By offering more completed options, I aimed to give them a range of possibilities to spark their creativity and make the project more accessible for everyone. This approach encourages individual expression while also providing support where needed!
Adding Texture
It was amazing to see the texture pieces the children incorporated into their monsters. Some were eager to replicate the ideas I had demonstrated, such as unrolling cotton balls to create a smoky effect under the feet or using yarn to add tufts of hair. Others truly thought outside the box, especially when it came to using foam pieces and texture scissors.
One idea I didn’t implement but believe the kids would have really enjoyed is providing colored squares of construction paper for them to cut out shapes for their monster bodies. This would have added another layer of creativity and personalization to their projects, encouraging even more imaginative designs!
Popsicle Sticks
I used a hot glue gun to attach a magnet to the back of each popsicle stick, allowing the children to display their monster popsicle sticks on the fridge. However, this step is optional; the popsicle sticks alone are plenty of fun! The kids can enjoy playing with their creations, whether they stick them on the fridge or keep them in a special place.
Continue the Fun
This project is a wonderful ongoing activity to keep set up in your classroom or home. I enjoy creating little stations around the house where the kids can independently continue working on projects I’ve introduced.
Children can keep drawing more monsters using the dice game, add color and texture to their creations, or use their monster popsicle sticks to engage in imaginative play. This open-ended approach encourages creativity and allows kids to explore their ideas further, making the fun last long after the initial project is complete!
Conclusion
When projects are too open-ended, it can sometimes be challenging for children to get started or know how to approach them. However, by introducing a specific focus—like adding details and texture—I provide them the freedom to be creative within a structured framework. I definitely observed this during the lesson.
This is one of the beautiful aspects of art and education in general: if children are excited about what they are learning, they are more likely to continue that exploration on their own. Wishing you the best of luck with your own projects!
