Pencil Pals

Materials
3
Scissors
Pencil
Tag board
Felt in assorted colors
Googly eyes
Glue
Markers

What to do
1. In advance, cut a circle
pattern from tag board
2” (5 cm) in diameter.
Using the pattern, cut a
felt circle for each child.
Next, cut triangles and
tear-drop shapes from
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felt in a variety of colors
for the ears, approxi- ProFilePlanner.com
mately 1” (3 cm) long.
Additionally, cut 1” by
11⁄2” (3 cm by 4 cm) felt
strips in any color.
2. Have the children glue
the googly eyes and felt
ears on the circles. When
they are finished, invite
the children to draw
noses, mouths, and
whiskers on their pet’s face with markers.
3. Help the children glue each end of the felt strip on the back of their pencil pal, leaving a small
opening in the center to slip their pencil through.

More to do
Language: Cut paper in the shape of an animal, then invite the children to compose a few sen-
tences about their pencil pal; record their words on the paper and assemble the pages in a book.
Cover the book with a felt animal.

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 More art: Encourage the children to draw pictures of their pencil pal or their pet at home. Make
felt pals for drinking straws. Add a Velcro attachment to the back of the pet pal and wear it on a
belt loop or backpack.

Related books
Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag
Some Swell Pup, or Are You Sure You Want a Dog? by Maurice Sendak and Matthew Margolis
Tumble Bumble by Felicia Bond

●
Dotti Enderle, Richmond, TX

In the Doghouse
Materials
3
Cardboard box
Exacto or utility knife (adult only)
Duct tape Downloaded by test@gryphonhouse.com from
Large plastic mat or drop cloth ProFilePlanner.com
Washable tempera paints
Large brushes

What to do
1. Ahead of time, find a box that is big enough for the children to play inside. Cut a door in one
side to resemble a door to a doghouse. Raise the flaps on the top of the box to form a roof and
hold them in place with duct tape.
2. Lay a drop cloth on the floor and invite the children to paint the box in any design or color.
3. When it is dry, put the doghouse in the dramatic play area. Add an assortment of stuffed dogs, a
food bowl, and other dog accessories.

More to do
Circle time: Invite a dog owner and their child-friendly dog to visit the class; ask questions about
the care and training of dogs.
Dramatic play: Provide a variety of props to create the setting in a veterinarian’s office.
More art: Make dog finger puppets with older children using felt, needles, and yarn.

Related books
Arthur’s New Puppy by Marc Brown
Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

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