Which Animals Are Like Me

Are you as sly as a fox? Loyal as a dog? Sculpt imaginary animals that have traits in common with you! Get to know your classmates better, too.

• 1.

  With your friends, list several interesting animals. What are some qualities that describe how they look or act? (lions=fierce, stealthy; giraffes=tall, graceful; turtles=steady, deliberate)

• 2.

  Which of these animals are most like you? Which qualities do you have in common? Choose three animals that are similar. Use Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils to sketch an imaginary animal that combines features of all three!

• 3.

  Cover your craft area with newspaper. Use Crayola Air-Dry Clay to sculpt your animal. Work on a paper plate to shape a fanciful creature that has some of your best qualities.

• 4.

  Paint your imaginary creature with Crayola Washable Watercolors. You may want to use several coats for deep hues. Air-dry your animal for at least 3 days before handling.

• 5.

  Share your imaginary animals with each other. What can you learn about your classmates?

Benefits

• Students explore some similar characteristics of animals and humans.
• Students generate ideas as a class and share their knowledge about animal behaviors and attributes.
• Students sculpt an imaginary animal that combines the features of three creatures with whom they have something in common.

Adaptations

• Use this activity as an ice breaker early in the school year.
• Older students create exhibition labels for their animals that identify the unique qualities they possess.
• Using cardboard, craft sticks, and Crayola Tempera Paint, construct a school zoo to showcase the animal creations!
• Assessment: Students write a self-assessment describing the animals they created. What qualities do they have in common with their animals?