Welcome back for another Hands On Play Party. If you are a regular here, you know that we did a project focused on rocks for about 2 months. We made an edible rock cycle, observed rocks, did some awesome fizzy science experiments, tested rock hardness with 2 scratch tests, and made several rock paintings. Today I am excited to share our rock doodles.
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Rock doodles can be an excellent way to foster creativity and encourage imaginative play. During our study of rocks, we began to notice that our rocks had features. Some were bumpy, some were smooth, and some actually looked like they could be part of a bigger picture. One day while I was perusing Pinterest I found these doodles with everyday objects and fell in love. I thought it would be really cool to see what would happen if we tried the same concept with our basket of rocks.
Materials and Set Up
Materials You Need:
Rocks of All Sizes
Pencils
Colored Pencils or Markers
Felt Tip Black Pens (for outlines)
Large White Easel Paper
Setting Up the Invitation for Rock Doodles:
To set up this invitation, I set out 4 large pieces of easel paper on our table and placed a tray in the middle of the table. On top of the tray, I added a basket of rocks, a few pencils and our jars of colored pencils. I did not put out the felt tip markers until the end, because I wanted the boys to focus on creating and doodling first.
To encourage the boys (age 6 & 8) to think creatively, I did not want to give them too many ideas or tell them what to do. However, I placed a few rocks on each paper and made a few crude doodles around them (I made very simple drawings that I knew would not intimidate them).
After the doodles were completed, we went back with our felt tip pens and traced all of the lines. This way the art would stand out and be more dramatic.
As soon as Legoman (8) got in the room, he was excited to get started. He began by placing our favorite large rock on the paper and turning it into a man. He had been calling this rock a head for the entire study and was excited to finally see it come to reality.
Once he had his confidence, he was off and running. I was so surprised. I could NOT stop him. He made an octopus, a helicopter, a car, and a few more tiny isolated doodles. Then he had an idea.
He thought it would be really fun to make a scene. He started simple with two rocks to resemble a person and then began to venture out. Seeing him create an entire play scene, allowed his brother (6) to join in the fun. For the next hour both boys sat quietly at the table doodling away and creating amazing and elaborate scenes.
It was so fun to watch the process of Bones, as he started with 1 car. He was hesitant in the beginning but started to warm up as he doodled.
“Hey, I can make another. And, I can make another one.
I can add the street.
Look Mom, I am going to make downtown. Here is the Willis Tower.
One window, two, three……
Oh wait, I need a stop light for the cars so they don’t have a wreck”
His creativity and his imagination continued to blossom as he created the most elaborate downtown scene.
It was no surprise that Legoman created an out of this world scene complete with astroids, planets, and meteors. If you are a regular here, you know how Legoman LOVES anything space, rocket or science related. It would only seem fitting then, that his play scene included a telescope, a scientist, and an observatory.
I love how this activity allowed my children to approach the activity in different ways and explore the materials in ways that would fit their learning styles.
Looking for More Hands On Resources for Rocks and Minerals?
Follow Dayna :: Lemon Lime Adventures’s board Everything Rocks and Minerals on Pinterest.
More Doodle Resources
Doodles Activity Book | Squiggles | Doodles All Year
NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE HANDS ON PLAY PARTY!
VISIT OUR CO-HOSTS
Summer Tactile Sensory Processing Activities from Sensory Activities For Kids
Rainy Day Art Activities from Stir the Wonder
Homemade Dice Movement Game from P is for Preschooler
Follow Little Bins For Little Hands’s board Hands On Play Activities for Kids on Pinterest.
ITS YOUR TURN TO SHOW US YOUR HANDS-ON PLAY IDEAS.
Do you have a favorite Hands On Play Idea? How do you encourage hands on learning? I can’t wait to see! Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribe by email. I can’t wait to hear your ideas.
I love this prompt for sparking creativity!
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