Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Art · The activity desk
Curling paper wave sculpture
Shape a standing paper wave after looking at Hokusai's wave print.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
Two sheets of paper, large child-appropriate crayons and a glue stick
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Fold the bottom edge of one sheet upward to make a wide flap that can stand on a flat sheet of paper.
Adult's role: Show a reproduction of Hokusai's woodblock print Under the Wave off Kanagawa. Explain that the paper sculpture is your child's own interpretation.
Let's make it happen
- Color the upper sheet with waves, foam or other ocean shapes.
- Gently roll its top edge toward the front to make a curling crest. Open and adjust the curve until it stands above the folded flap.
- Glue the flap flat to the second sheet so the wave stands up. Add a distant mountain or your own ocean details to the base.
Make it simpler: Draw a large curling wave on a flat sheet and decorate it.
Clean up: Put papers, crayons and glue away.
Use child-appropriate supplies with adult supervision. Keep the glue stick away from younger children.