This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure for more information.
The beginning of the year in preschool is a whirlwind. Students are busy learning routines and getting acclimated to an entirely new environment, new rules, and new friends. This scribble art project is a perfect way to ease into the year while creating fun, bright works of art.
What is in an Art Project?
When deciding on an art project for the beginning of the year, think about something that is not ‘just a craft.’ What will students learn from the project? How can the project tie into literacy or math?
Some ways to include more than just a craft project might consist of:
- Base an art project on a book read in class. Allowing students to make connections from text to real-life is a great way to enhance comprehension.
- Incorporate skill practice with the art equipment. Model how to click the lid back on the marker each time a student finshes with a color. Practicing in an authentic way versus just telling them how it’s done helps it become a habit.
- Get to know students’ strengths and weaknesses. In the beginning of the preschool year, there is such a wide range of abilities. Allowing students to create is a great time to observe and get to know the students as learners.
I’m Not Just a Scribble
An excellent book for the beginning of the year, I’m Not Just a Scribble brings so much more than art to the table. Upon being told he was ‘just a scribble,’ the main character works through breaking down stereotypes and helps readers understand how important it is to accept someone for who they are.
Check out this Resource from my Shop!
Name Art Books – Editable!
$5.25
Teach young children to use basic art supplies while they make a keepsake NAME ART BOOK at the same time. This file is simple to use. Just type your class list, then print the custom pages for each student. Quick and easy!
Preview in the Shop
Creating a Scribble Art Project
Building tangible connections to text is a great way to increase comprehension and strengthen the retention of information. After reading I’m Not Just a Scribble, create scribble-tastic works of art with just a few easy steps.
Materials Needed
- Cardstock cut into 1/4 page pieces
- Markers
- Adhesive googly eyes or scribble sticker sheets
Begin by reading the book to the students and discussing how the main character felt. Do they think he was ‘just a scribble’? What made him different from the other drawings? Discuss the beauty of how differences allow each person, or scribble, to be special and unique.
Pass out a small piece of cardstock to each student. Model how to use the markers, including latching the cap on tightly when finished with a color. Allow students the freedom to scribble on their page, with one color or many colors, whatever they decide as the artist.
Once the scribbles are complete, pull out the stickers or googly eyes. Show students how they can transform their scribbles into characters like the book. Next, students add arms and legs as desired. Students can even name their scribble and write the name at the top.
The result? A student-driven, unique scribble art project that students are proud to show off!
Are you a teacher?
FREE Book Lists for every theme!
The absolute best thing we can do for our preschoolers is read to them every single day. It is the #1 most important factor in school readiness.
After you subscribe, you will be redirected to the FREE Book Lists. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
National Scribble Day is March 27!
Some Other Books by Diane Alber
Diane Alber’s books are a fantastic addition to any preschool classroom. Her books have messages that students can carry beyond the classroom. Highlighting kindness and acceptance, her titles are a must-have in the early childhood library.
Sticks
In Sticks, the main character’s life takes an unexpected turn when he melts from a popsicle into a plain stick. Learning how to accept the unexpected and persevere through life’s challenges is something anyone can relate to.
Scribble Stones
Diane Alber’s Scribble Stones allows students to make text-to-text connections to her other books. Students will begin to recognize similar illustrations, a similar feel, and similar problems that the characters are going through. Making these types of connections ultimately helps students with comprehension.
The “Little Spot” Series
This series addresses the BIG feelings that preschool-aged children are starting to recognize. Each book focuses on different emotions, such as anger, anxiety, happiness, and peace. Alber uses kid-friendly language to define the feeling and help children deal with the bad feelings and find the peace, joy, and love that we all strive for.
The “Never Let a …” Books
These books feature a whimsical unicorn or daring dino as imaginary friends that get a little out of hand. The books all encourage children to embrace their imagination and creativity (and it also reminds the grown-ups to let it happen, too!)
Invisible Scribble
Another book in the “Scribble” family! One invisible scribble longs for his turn to be seen. A super sweet story, and here it is animated and read aloud!
More Easy Art Projects for the Beginning of the Year
- 10 Easy Art Projects
- Name Art Books
- Keepsake Self-Portraits Projects
- Tape Resist Name Art
You May Also Enjoy These Posts
Butterfly Sun CatchersEgg-cellent Humpty Dumpty Activities for PreschoolersGift Bow Painted Canvas Gift from Kids
The Best Opposites Books for Preschool
Building a Preschool Math Center: A Guide
