Your kids probably already know what a lion is, and that’s why they will love to craft this little guy! Our lion has a large mane and a good disposition, so don’t feel bad crafting something just like it! Toddlers will also get to learn the letter L while they’re having a great time with this apex predator. What does a lion say? Roar! Roar! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mdB8JekKlU
Skills
Types of skills can include math, science, fine motor, dramatic play, social and emotional. Here is how this craft applies these skills:
Math
Add in math concepts by having your child identify the colors of lion they are using to decorate their lion. Challenge your child to count how many yarn strings or paper used to place over the lion’s head. See how many shapes they can identify and if they can differentiate between sizes. (Small and large, long and short, skinny and fat)
Fine Motor Skills
Your child will learn how to use their fine motor skills to grab the yarn or paper strips to glue on the lion’s head. They will either put on eyes or draw in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Dramatic Play and Social/Emotional
Pretend to be lions roaming around the classroom looking for something to do. See how they interact and react to one another working in groups.
Boundaries
Make sure you supervise your child when using small items, scissors and other sharp items.
Materials
You will need the following items: yellow and brown yarn, orange or red construction paper, googly eyes, white, yellow and orange construction paper, markers, scissors, and glue.
Steps
Firstly, make a circle template about the size of a 7 inch paper plate, and trace it on the white construction paper. Make another circle template about 1 inch smaller than the paper plate and trace it on the yellow construction paper. Depending on the child’s cutting skills, have them cut it. If not, cut it for them.
Next, cut the yellow and brown yarns about 2-3 inches in length. Cut the orange and red construction paper about 2-3 inches in length and a 1-2 centimeters width. Set aside.
Have the students glue googly eyes on the yellow construction paper. Using a marker, have the student draw the nose and mouth on the yellow construction paper too. Use a lion picture as a reference for the child to complete this task.
Then, have the child glue the lion’s face on the center of the white circle construction paper.
Finally, glue the yarns and papers around the white construction paper to create the features of a lion. Let it dry completely and give the lion a name!
Modifications
There are many ways to modify this craft depending on the child’s skills. Instead of using yarn, use construction paper. Stick with googly eyes or sticker eyes to keep this simple.
However, to improve fine motor skills, motivate the child to use some yarn and not only paper. Entice the child to draw in the eyes, nose, and mouth of the lion.
Roar!
That’s the sound a lion makes. That’s the sound your kids will make. And that’s the sound you should make, too! Have some fun while crafting with your kids and teach your kids how awesome lions are. Roar!