Paper Mache Clownfish

When I taught first grade we used to transform our classroom into an ocean wonderland. This is one of the main things I miss about teaching first grade. Now that I am in second grade I think I may focus my attention to creating a rainforest wonderland, or perhaps a second grade version of the ocean wonderland my firsties and I loved so much!

I have had some questions about my paper mache clownfish that have been posted on the blog and Instagram. I thought I'd take this opportunity to post a "how-to" guide to help those of you wanting to create these adorable sea creatures with your class.

Here are the supplies you will need:

- Balloons (and pump if you want to make it easier on yourself!)
- Newsprint Paper
- Elmers Art Paste
- Small Containers for the paste
- Pitcher or Bucket
- Paint- Orange, White, and Black- My favorite brand is Jazz Gloss
- Model Magic
- Plastic Bowls
- Google Eyes
- Orange Foam
- Fishing Line
- Glue gun and hot glue

Step One: The first step is blowing up the balloons to your desired size and cutting or tearing the newsprint into pieces. Then make the art paste in a pitcher according to the directions. I find I usually need two boxes for a class of 24 students.

I like to do this project in small groups of 4 or five students, but it also works as a class. The easiest way to protect tables is to get plastic tablecloths to line the tables with. Towels are also great for spills and sticky hands.

Step Two: Pour a little paste into the containers and provide each student with a handful of newsprint. They will need more later, but give them a pile to start. I like to write their names on a bowl and put the balloon inside so it doesn't roll around all over the table. Have the students dip a paper into the paste and use two fingers to wipe off the excess into the bowl. They will then spread the paper onto the balloon. They will cover the balloon with one layer to start. Once the first layer is complete have the students cover the balloon with two more layers. You may take a break between layers and even complete layers on separate days (if you are willing to deal with the mess on multiple days!). Tip: sometimes the students' balloons get extra wet. Have the students just place dry newsprint on the overly wet parts without dipping back into the paste if necessary.

Step Three: Place the bowls with the paper mache balloons in a good place to dry. You will need to rotate the balloons so all sides dry.

Step Four: Pour paint into containers and have students paint the balloon orange. One balloon dries, I have them paint white stripes on the balloon. Sometimes it looks great to line the white with black marker or black paint.

Step Five: Pre-cut dorsal fin, and pectoral fins out of orange foam. Roll rings out of Model Magic for eyes and let them dry overnight.

Step Six: Call students over one at a time and have them show you where they want you to attach fins, eyes, and mouth. This needs to be hot glued, so adult help is necessary. Glue on the pieces according to student directions. At this point I also write student names on the bottom of the fish with permanent marker.

Step Seven: Poke hole in top fin with end of fishing line, knot the top and add a glue dot with glue gun to hold. Fish can be hung from the ceiling to create your ocean wonderland!

Please comment with any questions you may have about these adorable clownfish!

Here are some other resources for your Ocean Wonderland Transformation!

Clown Fish Diagram Freebie!

Ocean Animal Draw and Write 

Octopus Art Freebie

Sea Turtle Unit

Sea Turtles Unit

Whales Unit

3-D Mother's Day Flowers!

Mother's Day is right around the corner and I can't wait to make these amazing flowers with my students! They are simple, fun, and heartfelt! I know the Mothers and other special people in my students lives will love this cute gift! I just printed the template on card stock, colored, folded, glued, and after some adjusting this cute little flower was complete! Check out the tutorial for how to put them together! Click this link to my TpT store to grab the file! Leave a comment if you have questions! Happy Mother's Day!

Math Egg Hunt Fun!

Spring is one of my favorite seasons and this year I was so excited to try a new spring tradition with my class of second grade students! My wonderful teammates do a math egg hunt each year on the Friday before spring break. This is a great spin on the traditional egg hunt while incorporating some academic practice! I was so excited to be introduced to their tradition and I will surely continue this exciting activity each year.

Each child in my class was given a number and a color. The eggs were stuffed with candy, taped closed, and the math problems were attached to the eggs with labels and more tape. I had older students scatter the  eggs on the field. The students have to hunt for their color eggs, then complete a math problem to see if the egg is theirs to keep. This way I was able to differentiate the math problems to suit the needs of each student in the class. For example I had 4 students assigned to the number 24, but each of the students was searching for a different color. There were addition problems, subtraction problems, base ten drawings, coins, word form, and more. I found that when students went looking for eggs with a partner looking for the same color, they were more successful and seemed to have even more fun! 

We bought cute little Easter baskets with grass and an activity book from Oriental Trading Company. I used the activity book for early finisher activities, and the paper served as space to work out the problems during the hunt. I also wrote the students' numbers and color on the book so they would remember as they hunted for their eggs. I also matched their basket color with the color eggs they would be searching for during the hunt. These cute little baskets were perfect for fitting the 8 eggs each student found. 

My class had a blast and we only had to abandon one purple egg, which was never found. Luckily I had an extra egg of each color as back-up in the classroom. We did have a few overeager students take eggs that belonged to others, but each color group would sit together and double check the problems to determine which eggs needed to be switched. It was not only great math practice, but problem solving as well! 

Here are some links to the products I used for our hunt. Comment with any questions you may have!

Easter Baskets from Oriental Trading
Easter Basket Grass
Activity Books