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Art · The activity desk

Rocking ladybug plate

Decorate a folded paper plate as a ladybug that rocks.

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A little plan for play

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What you need

One plain paper plate and large child-appropriate crayons.

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 plate in half and set it on its curved edge on a clear table.

Adult's role: Stay beside the child and help fold the plate if needed.

Let's make it happen

  1. Draw a ladybug head and spots on the outside of the folded plate.
  2. Color the body and add eyes and antennae with crayons.
  3. Set the plate on its curved edge and gently tap it to make the ladybug rock.

Make it simpler: Add a few spots to a plate an adult has folded and outlined.

Clean up: Put away crayons and recycle the plate when finished.

Keep the plate on a stable surface and remove any torn pieces.

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