subject: Simple Picnic Ideas For Preschoolers [print this page] What comes to mind when you think of warm weather? A picnic of course. What about having the picnic with your kid's adorable flurry friend? Sounds good huh! Well, if you've bought into the idea then be informed that this lesson combines the aspects of dramatic play and visual arts into one thrilling day of learning.
What are the lesson objectives for the Teddy bear? Picnic see below
* Promote the use of art and dramatic play.
* Consider art making processes.
* Acquire new vocabulary skills (these can be words related to picnics, spring, or art).
* Raise awareness of nature/ environment, and seasons.
* Develop an understanding for what a picnic is.
Age Level
2 years and above
Supplies needed for a Teddy Bear Picnic very open. Feel free to alter materials as needed.
* Teddy bears
* Picnic blanket
* Construction paper sheets (all colors)
* Long, thin strips of construction paper
* Construction paper circles
* Glue and tape
* Food: either real or play
Here are steps involved
* Have the kids create invitations for their teddy bears to the class picnic. This activity can be as open as you want it to be. If you would like the invitations to be simple, use markers (or crayons) and construction paper.
* Write a brief parent letter, alerting the adults to the picnic. This should contain the date of the picnic, instructions for bringing in a teddy bear from home. The letter can be placed with the invitation.
* Notifying parents, begin to gather your materials.
* Discuss picnics with the class. ( ask what kind of foods the teddy bears might want to eat on a picnic).
Art Making For the Picnic
There are many options for art making during this activity. The list below list contains a few of the many possibilities. Be creative, and involve the children to participate in the process.
Teddy Bear Crowns
Ask the children to decorate long, thin strips of paper and paper circles (the circles will become ears). Secure with tape. Allow the children to glue the ears onto the bands. These can be decorated further with tissue paper or glitter.
Placemats
Invite the children to decorate blank sheets of construction paper with crayons or markers.
Picnic Baskets
View and discuss a real picnic basket. Point out the basket weaving design. Fold a large sheet of construction paper in half. Give the children thin strips of different colored paper and glue sticks. Ask them to weave this paper onto the folded sheet of paper by gluing in an over and under fashion. Staple or tape the sides. Add yarn or construction paper for handles.
Dramatic Play at the Picnic
Ensure that all teddy bears have a seat at the picnic blanket. Encourage the children to make up stories for their bears. Each child may want to introduce his or her special furry friend. This time should be filled with imagination.
Enrichment Activities for the Teddy bear Picnic
* Read story books with teddy bear, picnic, or teddy bear picnic themes.
* Whenever possible (esp. when using real food), invite the children to help prepare the food. Watch out for allergies.
