intro:
These adorable penguins aren't just a tun of fun to make—they're also a great early STEAM activity! Through artwork and imagination, children will practice combining simple shapes to make more interesting complex figures.
set up ideas:
Have the colors of foam sheets and shapes that you need ready to go. You may try this activity with pre-cut foam shapes or by cutting shapes yourself.
These adorable penguins aren't just a tun of fun to make—they're also a great early STEAM activity! Through artwork and imagination, children will practice combining simple shapes to make more interesting complex figures.
set up ideas:
Have the colors of foam sheets and shapes that you need ready to go. You may try this activity with pre-cut foam shapes or by cutting shapes yourself.
let's get started
To make these perky penguins, you'll need to gather foam sheets and/or foam shapes in several colors, as well as glue and scissors.
step 1
Begin by cutting a shape from black foam. Squares, circles and triangles are some easy shapes to get started with.
Begin by cutting a shape from black foam. Squares, circles and triangles are some easy shapes to get started with.
step 2
Use orange form sheet to cut out feet shapes for your penguin. Glue the feet to the bottom of your shape.
Use orange form sheet to cut out feet shapes for your penguin. Glue the feet to the bottom of your shape.
step 3
Cut white foam into the same shape as the black foam, but a little smaller so that it can sit on top of the black shape.
Cut white foam into the same shape as the black foam, but a little smaller so that it can sit on top of the black shape.
step 4
Use the foam shapes to create bows, ties or other decorative materials for your penguin. Glue the pieces on and let dry.
Use the foam shapes to create bows, ties or other decorative materials for your penguin. Glue the pieces on and let dry.
Discuss how small shapes can be used together to create more interesting shapes. In this case, just using two different sizes of the same shape can create a more interesting image. This can be a useful technique for creating art.
Tips & TricksYou may try cutting your white shapes first, and then cutting the black shapes around them to ensure that they are the right sizes.
Follow up ActivityWhat other winter creations can the children form from simple foam shapes? Provide additional colors of foam sheets and have them try to create pine trees, reindeer, Santa hats, gift boxes, etc.