Turtle shell prints for preschoolers

I don’t know what it is about turtles but I just love them and I am always trying to think of new ways to make them so they are a little less craftsy and a little more artsy….

This turned out to be a fun way to make turtle prints to go along with the book – “The Foolish Tortoise” by Eric Carle. Start by cutting out “shell” shapes or ovals from a piece of Styrofoam. I saved my pieces of Styrofoam from packages of meat and then washed them good with soap and hot water…

Older preschoolers can use a toothpick to carve lines or circle-shapes into the Styrofoam – younger preschoolers may need a little assistance to do the carving or can press the shapes into the Styrofoam with a small cookie cutter…

Next, roll some paint over the lines made into the Styrofoam…

Then flip the Styrofoam, paint side down, onto a sheet of paper and rub it. Now lift and you have a turtle shell print…

Provide several pieces of Styrofoam and different paint colors so that the children can explore making a variety of turtle shell prints…

Here is one with the more rounded prints…

Crayons can also be supplied so the children can add arm, legs, and a head if desired. I liked the shells without anything but here is a sample both ways…

Yes, even a preschooler can draw better than me 🙂

More Turtle Links

Fingerprint Turtles from GummyLump

Paper Bowl Turtle from Play and Learn with Dana and Gummy Lump

Recycled Sea Turtles from We Heart Art

Rock Turtles from Preschool Daze

Cake Pan Turtles from The Artful Parent

Torn Paper Turtles from Ramblings of a Crazy Woman

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Latest Blog Posts

P is for Pizza!

While learning about the letter “P” we decided to explore with pizza! Pizza is an all-time favorite food for many preschoolers, and activities involving pizza

Read More »