Monday, July 16, 2012

Paper Mache Aliens - 2nd Grade

I had never done paper mache with such young students before, but I was pretty pleased with the results.  I can't take credit for this idea because I saw this project on a blog somewhere, but I can't remember where and the lesson plan I printed is at school.
To begin this project, I gave my 2nd graders an assignment of bringing in a plastic pop or juice bottle or something similar.  This became our form to cover with paper mache.  When they brought them to my room they were excited to figure out what we were going to do with them. 
For paper mache, I use newspaper and watered-down glue...it's cheap!  Most of my 2nd graders got the hang of it pretty fast, while others struggled a little.  Overall they loved getting a little bit messy! 

This project lasted 3, 30 minute class periods.  The first class we applied the paper mache.  During the 2nd class we painted, and the last class we added all of the fine details to make our aliens extra special and unique!  I got out my google eyes, pipe cleaners, yarn, pom poms, etc. which made the project fun to go a little wild with ideas!


These creatures are quite interesting and fun! :)

2 comments:

  1. I know where this came from - it's a lesson from Mr. E.

    I do a LOT of paper-mâché and while the glue mix you used is really strong, but a great choice for working with young kids is Art Paste. It comes in a little box and mixes to make 4quarts. It is non toxic, non-staining, totally washable, and doesn't dry with that nasty skin on your arms like white glue mix. The kids love it; call it dog drool! Plus iti is really inexpensive. And NO, I don't sell the stuff!

    Congrats on diving into a media the kids are guaranteed to always love.

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  2. Hmmm I could have sworn I left a comment here... anyhow, I wanted to tell you that I know where you found this lesson - it was from Mr. E.

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