We went on a fun play date to the local marine science center, where my son was taken with the crabs. You would think an octopus or eel would have been the star of the show but for days he was talking about this plain old, can see it at the market shell fish! So of course, we made one!
- Gather your materials. You will need a paper plate, a piece of light colored construction paper, scissors, red paint, a paint brush, glue and googly eyes.
- Start by painting your paper plate red.
- Next paint the paper red too, at this point he was using his hands, which is fine too. Let dry.
- When they are dry ( nap time is always a good drying time) cut the plate in half.
- Cut one half into quarters and cut out some claws.
- Cut 2 longer strips out of the paper and 2 small ones.
- Fan fold the longer strips.
- Add glue to the top of the 1/2 paper plate.Add the two smaller strips.
- Add glue to the ends of them and add the eyes.
- Add glue to the sides of the plate and add the folded strips.
- Glue the claws on the end and let dry.
Books!
“Beach Party” by Harriet Ziefert and Simms Taback reminds me of “Head to Toe” by Eric Carle , and that comparison is a compliment. This large board book is a fun and cute way to introduce toddlers to movement as well as animals you find or want to avoid at the beach. The reader is asked how they want to walk today then they see how each animal moves. This would be a fun read for a circle time where kids could get up and move!
“The Seashore Book” by Charlotte Zolotow is a touching story of a little boy excited to go to the sea for the first time from his mountain home. The mother describes it so well that you will be aching for a trip too! I must admit though that my son and I barely paid attention to the words, we were both so moved by Wendell Minor’s paintings. We couldn’t help but ooh and awe every time we turned the page. My son’s favorite page was the one with the crab, of course!
Teri says
Don't forget "A House for Hermit Crab" by Eric Carle! One of my favorites & a great story of working together! 🙂
sandy says
My girls will love making this one!
Allie says
Of course! House for a Hermit Crab is one of ours too- I love how you can use it for learning months of the year as well ! It's bee
Here is our review of it… kinda short really maybe it's time for a new one.
https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2008/04/home-is-where-heart-is.html
Darcel says
We have red paint too. My girls are going to love making this.
Lori says
How cute!!
Sandy Toes says
Oh..those books look wonderful~
sandy toe
Tara @ Feels like home says
I love it! Everybody loves the crabs, don't they? Whenever we see one, we all pretend to pinch each other. I guess that's in place of his noise. When we see most animals, we all beller in their voice. 🙂
We're dorks but Grace likes it.
Lisa says
Just found your blog. Love it. I'm a primary teacher, staying at home right now. I life for this stuff! So much fun. Sometimes I even let my kids join in. 😉
Allie says
We do the crab pinchies too!
Dana says
I simply adore your site! You are so creative and I use SO many of your ideas in my kindergarten classroom!
Georgina @ Craftulate says
I just linked to this post at my latest mini roundup of crab and lobster activities here: http://craftulate.blogspot.com/2013/05/crab-and-lobster-activities.html
Thanks for the inspiration!