This is a two part project where students make a couple pages of texture by making sponge prints, then cut shapes from those papers and put the shapes together to make animals like Eric Carle's book illustrations.

First, students make the texture pages that they will use for their animals. Each table has a tray of a single color of paint and some sponges. Students are given 3 sheets of paper and will move from table to table printing sponge textures onto their papers. The papers are then left to dry.

Next, one of Eric Carle's books is read in class. Students are asked to notice how the illustrations are made.


Then students cut shapes out of their sponge printed papers and glue them together to make their animals.

When students are done they will share their animals with the class where we can compare and contrast eachother's work through a verbal "critique" session.



Click the image below for a larger version.

(The letters for Eric Carle Animals were painted with a sponge.)