Shape Scarecrow Activity

Preschool Art Curriculum Plan: Shape Scarecrow Activity

Duration: 30-40 minutes

Learning Objectives

1. Introduce preschoolers to the concept and purpose of a scarecrow.

2. Explore the symbolic meaning of scarecrows as protectors of crops and symbols of harvest.

3. Develop fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and drawing.

4. Reinforce shape recognition (circle, triangle, rectangle, and square).

Introduction (5-10 minutes)

1. Discuss the purpose of scarecrows:

   • Ask, "Do you know what a scarecrow is?"

   • Explain: "A scarecrow is a tool that looks like a person, made of straw and old clothes, used to scare birds away and protect crops. Farmers place scarecrows in their fields to keep the crops safe during the harvest season."

   • Highlight: "In the fall, when crops are ready to be picked, scarecrows also remind us of the hard work farmers do, and they have become a symbol of the harvest."

2. Show pictures of scarecrows:

   • Point out their basic features: a straw body, patched clothes, and a hat.

3. Shape Review:

   • Ask: "What shapes do you see in a scarecrow?"

   • Review the shapes:

     • Circle for the head, eyes and buttons

     • Triangle for the hat and nose

     • Rectangle for the hair, body, arms, and legs

     • Square for the patches on the clothes

Materials

• Pre-cut colorful paper shapes:

  • Circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares

  • Pre-cut black paper crows (optional)

• Glue sticks

• Markers or crayons

• Large piece of construction paper (one per child)

Activity Instructions (20 minutes)

1. Build the scarecrow:

   • Each child receives a set of pre-cut shapes.

   • Guide them to assemble the scarecrow:

     • Use a circle for the head.

     • Add a triangle for the hat.

     • Attach rectangles for the body, arms, and legs.

     • Glue squares as patches on the clothes.

2. Add details:

   • Use markers to draw the scarecrow’s face (eyes, nose, and mouth).

   • Encourage them to add details like buttons, straw, or patterns on the clothes.

3. Optional crow addition:

   • Glue a paper crow nearby to show what the scarecrow is protecting against.

Closure (5-10 minutes)

1. Show and tell:

   • Have each child share their scarecrow and describe it.

   • Ask: "What shapes did you use to make your scarecrow?"

2. Reinforce the scarecrow’s meaning:

   • Remind: "Scarecrows are symbols of fall and the harvest. They help protect the crops that farmers work hard to grow."

Assessment

• Observe if children can identify and correctly use shapes during the activity.

• Assess their ability to follow instructions and complete the scarecrow using the materials provided.

Extensions

• Read a story about scarecrows, such as The Little Scarecrow Boy by Margaret Wise Brown.

• Create a fall-themed bulletin board to display the children's scarecrows.