Eric Carle Lesson Extension Activities

The felt board that you made for the Bedford library is going to be so much fun for the kids to play with.  Thanks for your hard work!  

Complete project instructions available here.

Read:

“With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates—will they be friendly?" 

There are lots of books that we can look at to see Eric Carle's artwork, but I wanted to point out a few that offer more insight into his life.  Eric Carle has written a fantastic series of autobiographical stories in two books entitled Flora and Tiger and My Apron.  They are written directly to children in a way that is both playful and informative.  I can’t say enough how much my family enjoyed these books.  {These books are affiliate links.  Should you click through I may get a small portion of any purchases that you make.  Thanks for your support.}

Create:

Coloring pages are always fun, but if you want a bit more of a challenge, try creating your own tissue paper collage.  This PDF offers instructions that are fairly easy to follow.  

Visit:

Eric Carle and his wife have created a fantastic museum dedicated to illustrators of children’s books.  It is a lot of fun!  Even if you can’t get there in person, it is more than worthwhile to take a look at their website.

Consider:

Want to find out how Very Hungry Caterpillar, the Bible, and throw-up all tie together?  Pop by the Fantastic Five to find out.

Eric Carle

Have you ever thought of the illustrators of your favorite books as artists?  They are.  This week we are going to be studying the playful work of Eric Carle.  He has written and illustrated over 70 books, many of which are best sellers.

Eric Carle

1929 - present

American

I usually ask you to study an image by each artist, but this artist's work is best seen in it's correct format - a book.  Most families already have these books at home, so just take a few minutes to browse through  Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? or his most famous work The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  If you can't find a copy, you can always take a look at this video of Eric Carle reading his own copy.



This month we are going to be creating felt boards for the children who visit the Bedford Library to play with (and a few pieces for home too).  In order to complete this project each child will need to bring the following items to class:

• 3 felt sheets, assorted colors, 9x12" - add only 2 sheets for each additional student
• needle felting foam pad or brush - 1 per student 
• felting needle (approx. 36 gauge) - 1 per student - Students age 6 and under are highly encouraged to use a needle guard, and older students may want a grip, but the needle itself is all you really need
• Scissors - 1 per student - these should be sharp enough to cut felt.
• Sharpie markers set of 4 of varying colors 
• pencil with an eraser (does not need to be an artist pencil) - 1 per student
• optional:  Prang crayons, minimum 8 color set 

If you participated in the bulk order and can't find your felting brush - pop me an e-mail.  There were a few that were never picked up, so I may have yours.  If so, I will bring it with me to class.

See you on Friday, February 21st at 6:30!

Klimt Inspired Emergency Room Display

Take a look at your fantastic Klimt-inspired metal work.  Isn't it fun!

The staff at the emergency room was thrilled to receive it, and asked me to share their thanks with all of you.

It will be on display for the next two months, but I will make sure to get your pieces back to you before our closing session.  Great job kids!

Complete project instructions available here.