Lesson Plan

My Friend Lesson Plan

  • Grades: PreK–K, 1–2

About this book

Grade Level Equivalent:
Lexile Measure:
Guided Reading Level:
Age: Age 6, Age 7, Age 5
Genre: Animal Stories
Subject: Animals, Friends and Friendship, Individuality, Pride and Self-Esteem

Overview

The quirky textile illustrations make My Friend a favorite among students. Fabric is not an art material often used in the classroom, so students enjoy using it in their work.

Objective

Students will "use a variety of materials and media,... textiles, and yarns, and understand how to use them to produce different visual effects." --Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework

Materials

  • My Friend by Beatrice Alemagna
  • assorted fabric scraps
  • assorted buttons
  • scraps of yarn
  • glue (I prefer Elmer's Blue Glue. It's technically called "gel.")
  • scissors
  • heavy oak tag, one sheet per student
  • chalk

Set Up and Prepare
Elmer's Blue Gel is pliable when it dries, so the material won't crack and come apart. They are also packaging it in new bottles that are easier for student's to squeeze.To get fabric scraps, go to your local fabric store and ask if they have any. They are often more than willing to donate a bag to the school.

Directions

Have students take a look at some of the figures featured in the book. Have a conversation about what their fabric "friend" would look like. Model for students how to use a piece of chalk to draw a shape on the fabric and then cut it out. Use the gel to glue it to the oak tag and then add details with the buttons and yarn.

Have students create their own friends. Be certain to display them for all to see.

Lesson Extensions

Have students create cards with fabric "friends" and donate them to a local senior center.

Related Resources
www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/fabricart.html

  • Subjects:
    Reading, Arts and Crafts, Early Social Skills, Motor Skills, Friends and Friendship
  • Duration:
    60 Mins
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