We love a good collage activity. In fact, the longer I teach (26 years now!), the more I love collage work. Here are some examples:
Fall Collage Snowflake Collage Winter Window Collage Valentine’s Day Heart Collage
I appreciate that it doesn’t take a lot of time prepping everything. All I need to do is collect the collage pieces, think about the background, grab the glue, and I am set! I also love that the children can add their own touches. It’s open-ended so the children can decide what they want to glue on their paper. No two look alike! When we were learning about pumpkins, I just knew a pumpkin collage would be a great addition to our art center. And it was!
“How did you get the glue that color?” “Did you buy it that way?” “What did you use?” Friends, tinting glue is the easiest thing! Then, add some squirts of tempera paint, whatever colors you want. I don’t add a lot – just a few squirts of each color. You don’t even need to mix it. Most will stay towards the top of the bottle but some color might eventually make its way down. As more glue is used, you might need to add more tempera paint to the bottle. If you are using containers of glue that the children will dip their paintbrushes in, you will first pour the glue into the containers. Then, squirt some tempera paint on top. As the children brush the glue on to their paper, the colors will mix with the glue. I don’t measure anything; I just simply eyeball it.
It’s a wonderful way to strengthen those little hands as they really need to squeeze to get the glue out. When I introduce these for the first time, I show my students how to hold the bottle upside down and squeeze using both hands. Once they get that down, I tell them to make the glue “dance”. That means, make it move around so that it just doesn’t puddle in one spot. I save these bottles when they are empty and refill them from a big jug. This is much more economical.
Preparation
Place paper pumpkins on trays with a container of collage pieces and glue. It’s that easy!
As mentioned above, if this is their first time using a glue bottle, show them how to hold it upside down and squeeze with two hands.
Toddlers will need a reminder that the pieces will only stick where there is glue.
Collages are a great way to use up scraps from other projects. I always seem to have a little box filled with scraps! Some other ideas for collage pieces:
Felt Buttons Sequins Fabric Plastic bottle caps Pieces of yarn Pom poms
Once finished, let dry thoroughly.
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