Comparing Living and Nonliving Things

Comparing Living and Nonliving Things

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- compare living and non-living things 
  through the use of a Venn Diagram

- the Venn Diagram can be modified       
  depending on the age/ability of the children

 

Activity

- a brainstorming session is an effective 

  way to begin this activity 

- using chart paper, have the students 

  think of characteristics of living and non-living things

- older children may only need a couple 

   ideas and then they can independently complete their 
                                                   comparisons

                                                 - younger children can use two hula hoops to 
                                                   organize each point 

- teach how Venn Diagram organize (in 

  this case) two things are different in the 

  two separate circles and how they are 

  the same where the two circles overlap

Follow-Up

- use picture cues to go with each category 

  for pre-readers (this is great for small 

  groups)

- technology can be used to complete the 
  Venn Diagram (the app/program will need 
  to be accessible and understood)

More great comparison activities can be found at these links!

Urban and Rural Communities

Music Comparisons

Music Comparison

Music Comparisons

Music Comparisons

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- almost any kind of music that you or the 
  students choose can be compared

- compare types with or without lyrics  

Materials

- a variety of music 

- possibly the need for devices if music is on a tablet, 
  computer, speakers etc.

- enough room for movement if you intend to let the students respond by moving to the 
  music

- a variety of music (within two genres) and branch out from there
- examples - classical, country and western, rock, rap, jazz, blues, big band, traditional 
  children's music

Activity

- provide opportunities for the children to select music to sing/dance to and perform in 
  the classroom or at a school assembly- use technology as a tool to let them perform (older 
  children can produce and star in a musical video)
- younger children can record each other 

Extention 

- branch out and have them compose their own songs, perform, create a band with 

  a name etc.

- they can include musical instruments (manufactured or homemade) and produce their 

  own videos

- study Peter And The Wolf and compare the different instruments used

- there is an animated version that effectively tells a story highlighted with musical 

  instruments - an excellent resource

- related link 

More great comparison activities can be found at theses links!

Living and Nonliving Things
Urban and Rural Communities

Be creative! Check out Handmade Musical Instruments

Comparing Urban and Rural Communities

Rural

Urban

COMPARING 

URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

This activity uses Aesop's fable "The City Mouse and the Country Mouse" as a springboard for learning about urban and rural communities. Students will compare the two communities through discussion and organizing ideas

Introduction

• Read a version of Aesop’s Fable “City Mouse and Country Mouse". Make sure the students understand the story by discussing the story, prompting them, and asking questions when necessary. Introduce students to the terms “urban" and “rural." Ask students to identify the community they live in and ask if they have ever been to the other community. 

Discussion of the Story

Draw a T-chart on the board, and ask students to think about the differences they have noticed between the city and the country. Add each idea to the corresponding column of the chart. If they run out of ideas, prompt them with questions like “Where would you most likely see shopping malls – in the city or in the country?" or “Where would you see tractors?" 

Activity

• For older students, list two or three examples on each column of the chart and have them complete the chart independently or in pairs. 
• Have younger or older students draw a picture of an area that is either urban (city), or rural (country). They can show off their drawings to the class and talk about why certain items are in the picture. 

• Extension
• Introduce students to the term “suburban" and add it to the comparison.

Compare country music to another type of modern music. Different singers and types of dance can also be investigated. 

More great comparison activities can be found at theses links!

Living and Nonliving Things

Music Comparisons

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd is an excellent story that demonstrates kindness. Jesus looks after his sheep just as he looks after us. 

Objectives: 

The children will be able to:

- retell the story of The Good Shepherd

- identify who is the Good Shepherd

- explain what to do if they lost something

- identify who they are supposed to follow 
  and do what he says

- discuss when kids their age might do to get “lost” and not follow Jesus 

Vocabulary Words: good, shepherd, Jesus, lost, found, sheep, kind

Good Shepherd Word Wall - hang words on the wall to aid children when they are learning or using new vocabulary words.

Introduction to story: Here are questions to open with. Since they might all want to answer at the same time, use a talking stick or a stuffed lamb to pass around to take turns for talking.

Some Questions To Consider:

Think of something you have lost.

Have you ever lost something?

Was it worth very much?

Did you look very hard for it?

Did you ever find it?

What did you do when you found it? 

If you didn’t find it, what did you do?

More Questions To Consider:

Have you ever been lost? How did you feel? How did you get back? How did you feel when you were found?

Have you ever helped someone look for something they lost?

Have you ever found something someone else lost?

What did you do with the item you found?

Follow Up:

Read the story "The Good Shepherd". 

Ask questions such as the following . . .

If a shepherd has lost one of his sheep, what should he/she do? 

Who is the Good Shepherd?

Crafts:

Young children can make a handprint of a lamb.

Another good extension to this lesson is Sheep Decoration 
These are very easy crafts that the youngest child can do and makes a beautiful keepsake.

Sheep Decoration

Christmas, Sheep Decoration

Christmas, Sheep Decoration

Tree Ornaments

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- ornaments that can be on a 

  Christmas tree or used as a decoration

- can also be made when reading or 

  discussing 
  The Good Shepherd (Language, Christian activity)

Materials

- black felt, white felt or a wool type of material
- googly eyes
- ribbon or yarn
- good quality scissors for older children
- white glue
- optional - twine or chenille stem if desired

Construction
- materials should be prepared ahead of time
- cut felt or material into sections if the children are able to 
  cut their own shapes
- it is recommended that they cut their parts in shapes (almost anything can be created 
  using shapes - circular shape for the body, oval for the head, triangular shapes for the 
  ears, thin rectangles for the legs)
- these shapes can be cut ahead of time for young children and for any children with 
  difficulty using scissors
- distribute all the necessary materials
- assemble the shapes to make the sheep
- a shepherd's hook made out of twine or a chenille stem may be included if desired
- attach a loop made out of ribbon or yarn to the back of the sheep

Easter Art

Easter Art

Easter Art

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of
  the children
- vary the expectations depending on the
  age/ability of the children
- the rays of sunshine can be used by older
  children and younger children can leave them
  off
- let them decide if they want them on or off
- encourage them to make their own decisions
  regarding the placement and size of the hills
  and crosses
- if using a paper foreground, older

  children may be able to cut out their own
  pieces while young children may need the
  some of the shapes supplied to them (strips of yellow
  for the rays and a variety of black strips to
  make the crosses) and it can be divided into random parts)

Materials
- white art paper or card stock
- watercolor paint - soft colors are very effective - a variety of colors may be used or one color with
  a variety of shades to create the sky, sunrise, sunset
- green watercolor paint
- black watercolor paint
- wide and thin paintbrushes
- optional - green, black, yellow construction paper
- newsprint or some other material to protect the work surface
- alternative materials - cardboard in desired shapes, plasticine, instruments to provide texture to the
  plasticine (toothpicks, combs etc.)

Construction
- begin by protecting the work surface with newsprint or plastic cloths
- distribute the art paper or card stock and the paint (a variety of colors may be used or one color
  with a variety of shades to create the sky, sunrise, sunset)
- use horizontal brush strokes (making each stroke go past the entire paper onto the protective
  surface) to paint the background
- set the paper aside to dry
- after the background has dried, the foreground may be painted or be made out of construction paper
- an alternative for the grassy hills is to use small bits of green paper or fringed paper to create a
  grassy effect
- this scene is also very effective using a cardboard background covered with plasticine - fine
  instruments are perfect to create texture

Birth Of Jesus Silhouette

Birth Of Jesus Silhouette

Birth Of Jesus Silhouette

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be modified to suit the 
  age/needs of the children

- the shapes for the silhouettes can be 
  drawn and cut out by older children
- the shapes can be cut out and supplied 
  to younger children
- the color of the shapes can be chosen 
  by the children and placed against a 
  background of contrasting color

- more detail can be added depending on 
  the age and ability of the child (example; 
  a star, sheep, the outline of the stable)

Materials
- construction paper for the shapes
- construction paper for the background
- optional - tracers of the desired shapes
- scissors
- glue

Construction
- shapes for the silhouettes to be distributed or created (tracers could also be beneficial)
- once the shapes are ready, glue onto a paper of a contrasting color
- this could also be created as a Christmas card on card stock 

Collage Cross

Collage Cross

Collage Cross

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of the children

- vary the expectations depending on the age/ability of the
  children
- these crosses look very attractive no matter what material
  are used to create the collage

Materials
- construction paper (black or white is affective)
- white glue or glue sticks, depending on the material used to
  create the collage
- materials to make the collage (example; sequins of assorted
  shapes or of similar shapes, buttons, crumpled up tissue
  paper squares, things found in nature such as tiny pebbles or
  pieces of bark, paper shapes such as small squares or
  triangles - use your imagination)

Construction
- older children can cut out their own crosses (two rectangles can be used by gluing the shorter one
  across the longer one) or crosses can be cut out ahead of time and distributed
- use glue to stick the collage materials, beginning at the top of the cross
- a small space should be left between each item being glued on
- display these beautiful and unique crosses 

"Stained Glass" Cross

"Stained Glass" Cross

"Stained Glass" Cross

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of the children

- vary the expectations depending on the age/ability of the
  children
- these crosses look very attractive in windows, allowing the
  light to bring out the beautiful colors
- this compliments Paper "Stained Glass" Art (Christian activity)

Materials
- tissue paper that can be cut into shapes of various sizes or
  torn into small pieces (make a variety of colors available)
- waxed paper
- watered down glue
- brushes for gluing
- thick permanent black magic markers or thin strips of black
  construction paper
- paper or a cloth to protect the work surface

Construction
- prepare small containers of the glue mixture (approximately1:1 ratio of white glue and water)
- distribute the waxed paper (in the shape of crosses) to be used as the surface for the tissue paper to
  be glued to
- if paper/cloth is being used to protect the tables/desks, be sure to remove the art immediately
  upon completion to avoid the art being permanently stuck to the paper/cloth
- use the brush to put the water/glue mixture on the waxed paper, beginning at the top of the cross
- place a piece of tissue paper at the top of the cross and use the brush to gently brush on a light coat
  of the glue mixture
- continue to put one piece of tissue paper at a time overlapping the pieces slightly each time and
  remembering to brush with the mixture each time
- after the cross is completely dry, the excess tissue paper poking out past the edges of the cross
  needs to be trimmed
- place tissue paper side up and use a thick, permanent black magic marker to make the black lines
- another way to create the black lines is to use precut thin black paper
- put a layer of the watery glue mixture over the completed cross and place the thin black strips
  randomly on top of the cross to make a "stained glass" effect
- hang in a window and enjoy the beautiful cross

Holy Week Art

Holy Week Art

Holy Week Art

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art can be varied to suit the age/needs of
  the children
- vary the expectations depending on the
  age/ability of the children
- the rays of sunshine can be used by older
  children and younger children can leave them
  off
- let them decide if they want them on or off
- encourage them to make their own decisions
  regarding the placement and size of the hills
  and crosses
- if using a paper foreground, older

  children may be able to cut out their own
  pieces while young children may need the
  some of the shapes supplied to them (strips of yellow
  for the rays and a variety of black strips to
  make the crosses) and it can be divided into random parts)

Materials
- white art paper or card stock
- watercolor paint - colors can be chosen by the students
- black construction paper
- glue
- paintbrushes
- newsprint or some other material to protect the work surface

Construction
- begin by protecting the work surface with newsprint or plastic cloths
- distribute the art paper or card stock and the paint (colors they have chosen)
-paint can be watered down a little so it can run together to create an effective background
- an array of brush strokes can be made to create the desired effect (making sure that the color
  reaches and can go past the edge of the paper just to be sure of complete coverage)
- have the children cut out their crosses ( a simple way is to cut out a thin rectangle and cut it part
  way down so that one part is shorter than the other)
- emphasize that the part that is goes horizontally should be glued on higher than the middle (you can
  demonstrate this by having them stand up with their arms stretched out to each side. They will see
  that their arm are raised up higher than their waists or the middle part of their bodies)
- after the background has dried, the foreground of construction paper crosses will be glued on
- if desired, black construction paper can also be glued along the bottom of the picture

Crayon Resist, Design

Crayon Resist Design

Crayon Resist, Design

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- students will create a beautiful design 
  consisting of vibrant colors and
  contrasted with black paint

- crayon/oil pastel splashes of color are 
  made on art paper
- it is followed up with a wash of black 
  watercolor paint to create a contrast
  of color and art mediums  
  

Materials

- crayons or oil pastels
- black watercolor paint 
- paint brushes
- white art paper

Procedure

- using crayons or oil pastels make designs on art paper

- emphasize the need to press heavily in order to create the most vivid contrast of colors 
  and the colors will show through the black paint
- also demonstrate that there needs to be spaces of white left on the paper so that the black 
  paint adheres to the paper
- continue to change colors and textures until the page is filled with designs
- cover work surfaces with newsprint or plastic cloths
- check to see if the paint is too thick on a sample page of random crayon, oil pastel 
  designs (you may need to water the paint down a little to achieve the right consistency) 
- brush the black watercolor paint on the paper using horizontal strokes, allowing each 
  stroke to go off the page (this will make sure that the entire surface is covered and no 
  white spots remain)
- this art lesson can be modified for young children by having them draw or even scribble 
  random colors on the paper, being sure that they press heavily and use an array of colors

Another great crayon resist activity can be found at  Crayon Resist Collage

Handmade Musical Instruments

Handmade Musical Instruments

Handmade Musical Instruments

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- almost anything that makes some sort of noise can be used 
  as a musical instrument

- one specific instrument can be made at a time or supplies 
  can be made available allowing the children to be more 
  creative
- use the instruments for performances 

Materials

- elastics

- sticks

- plastic tubs with lids

- shaker materials (paper towel rolls, things that will make a 

  noise such as rice, beans or  beads)

- shakers or maracas can also be made using paper-mache

- have a variety of recyclable materials available (boxes, 

  paper towel rolls, bottles)

- instructions for specific instruments can be found under 

  Drums, Stringed Instruments, Maracas

Follow-Up

- provide opportunities for the children to play their instruments in the classroom setting or 

  at an assembly

- they could also be used at an assembly

- use technology to let them perform (older children can produce and star in a musical 

  video)

- younger children can record each other 

- branch out and have them compose their own songs, perform, create a band with 

  a name etc.
How do the instruments sound? Do some comparing with help at Comparing Musical Instruments

Seasons

Signs Of Spring

Seasons

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- compare two seasons through the

  use of a Venn Diagram

- the Venn Diagram can be 

  modified depending on the age/ability of 

  the children

Activity

- a brainstorming session is an effective 

  way to begin this activity 

- using chart paper, have the students 

  think of characteristics for the two seasons being compared

- older children may only need a couple 

  ideas and then they can independently 

  complete their comparisons

- younger children can use two hula 

  hoops to organize each point 

- teach how Venn Diagram show how (in 

  this case) two things are different in the 

  two separate circles and how they are 

  the same where the two circles overlap

Follow-Up

- use picture cues to go with each season

  for pre-readers (this is great for small 

  groups)

- technology can be used to complete the Venn Diagram (the app/program will need to be 

  accessible and understood)

Symmetry

Symmetry

Symmetry

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- this art provides instant satisfaction
- paint is only applied to half of a paper
- once the paper is folded over, the wet paint
  spreads to the other half creating symmetry
- this activity demonstrates the concept of
  symmetry and allows the children to see the
  effect immediately
- the blending of paint is very appealing and 
  provides a burst of color to bulletin boards or
  when suspended from the ceiling
- each butterfly is unique

Materials
- white art paper or card stock
- watercolor paint - colors can be chosen by the students
- paintbrushes
- scissors
- chenille stems (optional for antennae)
- glue
- newsprint or some other material to protect the work surface

Construction
- begin by protecting the work surface with newsprint or plastic cloths
- distribute the art paper or card stock (rectangular) and the paint (colors they have chosen)
- have the children fold the paper in half vertically
- it is recommended that the paint be applied fairly thick (each color does not have to touch each
  other or provide complete coverage)
- once folded over, the paint spreads out, runs together and creates a mirror image on the other half
  of the paper
- once folded, gently pat the paper down so that the paint adheres to the blank half
- open up the paper to admire the colors and design
- talk about the symmetry and observe the mirror image that has been created
- emphasize that the part that is goes horizontally should be glued on higher than the middle (you can
  demonstrate this by having them stand up with their arms stretched out to each side. They will see
  that their arm are raised up higher than their waists or the middle part of their bodies)
- set aside to dry
- fold the paper again along the same fold line
- draw a butterfly wing on the side that is not painted, making sure that the middle part is connected
  to the fold
- cut along the line making sure that part of the fold line stays intact
- if desired, black chenille stems can be formed into antennae and taped to the back

Students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the butterfly at the following link.
Life Cycle Of The Butterfly