Eric Carle Inspired Seahorse Kids Craft

Eric Carle, is a well-known children's author and artist. For our "Under the Sea" crafting segment, we were very inspired by Eric Carle's fascinating book Mr. Seahorse. Not only where the illustration beautiful and fun to look at, but the amazingly true story as to how many male fish are the primary care giver stunned us as we read through this wonderful book!

Eric Carle inspired Seahorse

Classified: Medium- and is great for all children!

What you need:

• Watercolor paints
• Water color paper (or plain white will do)
• Paintbrushes, sponges, toothbrushes
• Scissors
• Glue
• Pencils
• Blue construction paper
• Blue tissue paper
• Glue sticks
• 3M Double sided Foam Tape
• Colored yarn
• Sheet of cardboard (optional)

What to do:
1. Read the story Mr. Seahorse with your children (class). Discuss how in some species, the dad takes care of their young. Teach different water coloring techniques. Talk about the illustrator/author Eric Carle.

2. Preparation: For younger children, trace out the following shapes:

Click to make larger

If older, have them draw their own seahorse. 

3. Have your child (student) experiment painting with watercolors. For fun, use a sponge and toothbrush as well as a paintbrush. Fill in all the shapes/seahorse with water color Eric Carle style! Allow to dry.

Have fun with watercolors, use sponges, toothbrushes and more!

4. For water: tear pieces of blue tissue paper and glue onto construction paper. We glued our water to a piece of cardboard to: 1. Make it sturdier 2. We left the bottom uncovered to look like sand on the bottom of the Sea's floor.

5. Cut out all pieces of the seahorse (or just the seahorse) and glue together. If your child is old enough- have them cut it him or herself. Cut out a white circle for an eye as well!


6. Cut small pieces of colored yarn, and glue to the back and head of the seahorse (optional).

7. Once dry, apply the adhesive foam tape to make the seahorse look as though it "pops out" at you.
Enjoy!

3 year old accomplishment

The Book : Mr. Seahorse By: Eric Carle
Websites on Seahorses: All the Sea,  National Geographic for Kids

Linking to these parties: Educational Hops