The Benefits of Creative Collage for Kids

We made a large scale scarecrow collage out of recycled materials to decorate for Fall! As our preschooler was working on her artistic creation I was realizing all of the benefits of creating collages for kids.

Our #playfulpreschool theme this week is scarecrows! What do you see as our preschooler creates a scarecrow with the materials she selected? I noticed her investigating the textures of the materials we were reusing including different types and thicknesses of recycled cardboard, buttons, ribbons, yarn, and metallic wrap for potted plants that our neighbor generously donated to our craft stash!

Next she was estimating and comparing lengths of the yarn hair she wanted to give her craft. She discussed shapes out loud as she cut out a hat and clothing for her scarecrow.

She used her fine motor skills over and over to trim the hair, squeeze the glue bottle, press the yarn down into the glue, and draw the facial details. (Add eyelashes and suddenly it's a girl scarecrow!)

She reviewed patterns as she drew striped pants. She worked on her hand eye coordination as she lined up buttons.

Now every material we are about to throw away or recycle becomes a potential art material in our daughter's eyes! She is definitely a little artist.

For More Scarecrow Learning Activities for Kids from the ‪#‎PlayfulPreschool‬ Team:

Scarecrow Process Art by Fun-A-Day

Invitation to Build a Scarecrow with Play Dough by Mom Inspired Life

Alphabet Activity: Scarecrow Letter Patches by Growing Book by Book

Scarecrow Hunt with Free Printable by Capri + 3

Build A Scarecrow by Learning 2 Walk

5 Little Scarecrows Poem and PowerPoint for #PlayfulPreschool by The Preschool Toolbox

The Benefits of Creative Collage for Kids by Still Playing School

Exploring Scarecrows with Technology by Rainy Day Mum

Stick Puppet Scarecrows by Tiny Tots Adventures

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6 comments :

UnknownNovember 5, 2014 at 6:51 AM
What a great way to upcycle materials too! I love the striped pants!
UnknownNovember 5, 2014 at 9:10 AM
I love all the materials you put out to make a scarecrow. The metallic wrap is really fun. The whole set-up really captures the imagination.
UnknownNovember 5, 2014 at 3:26 PM
This is a great open-ended invitation to create! She did awesome!
Growing Book by BookNovember 5, 2014 at 11:33 PM
My son has been collecting all sorts of materials so this would be a great activity to use his collection!
UnknownNovember 6, 2014 at 6:30 PM
Love the recyclable craft! Little creative person you have there.
PschooltoolboxNovember 10, 2014 at 5:39 AM
Our kids love making collages. They are unique to each child and your scarecrow collage is wonderful! So many great opportunities for learning as they create!