Potato Printing
Making potato print wrapping paper to reinforce shapes
Instructions
- Together use craft paper or cut open a brown paper bag to use as wrapping paper decorated with potato prints
- Cut a baking potato in half
- Draw with a pencil the outline of the shape you want to create - rectangle on one half and circle on other half
- Adult cuts away potato, 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep around the shape outline
- Blot the cut potato on paper towel to remove moisture
- Place washable orange paint in a tray and dip potato into the paint
- Press the potato stamp onto the paper
- Child can use rectangle and circle potato prints to cover paper
Simplify
Make just one shape on the potato for child to use and reinforce that they are making "circles" (or rectangles) on the paper.
Extend
Give child oral directions stating how to use the potato stamps. For example, place 3 circles in a row, make a pattern of 2 rectangles and 1 circle, etc.
Once the paint is dry, find a toy that your child can give to another friend, neighbor, or family member and let them wrap in the paper they decorated.
QUESTIONS FOR CHILD
When you receive a gift, do you like the present wrapped or unwrapped, and why?
If you drew a picture of what you are thinking right now, what would that picture look like?
Materials
- brown paper bag/craft paper
- baking potato
- knife
- scissors
- pencil
- paper towels
- orange paint
Share This Activity
Curriculum Plan Resources
Skills Focus
- Shape - Rectangle
- Color - Orange
- Number - 1-4 Review
- Alphabet - O, U
- Senses - Sight
- Character Trait - Responsibility
- Target Words - Under, Up, Down, Tall
Monthly Proverb
Yiddish- If each person sweeps in front of his own door the whole street is clean
Did You Know?
"The brain builds itself in response to the child’s experiences. Brain circuits that the child uses in daily life are strengthened. Those that the child doesn’t use fade away. "
National Research Council From Neurons to Neighborhoods, 2000
Books to Read
"AlphaBugs: A Pop Up Alphabet Book"
by David Carter (Activity 1)
"Deep In The Swamp"
by Donna Bateman (Activity 22)
"Head to Toe"
by E. Carle (Activity 10)
"AlphaBugs: A Pop Up Alphabet Book". VIDEO
by David Carter (Activity 1)
"Head to Toe". VIDEO
by Eric Carle (Activity 10)
"Deep in The Swamp". VIDEO
by Donna Bateman (Activity 22)
Music Playlist
"When The Saints Go Marching In"
by Pete Fountain, Album: Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? (Jazz) (Activity 2)
"Go, Flush, Wash, Dry"
by Martin Kerr, Album: Favorite Songs from the Family Learning House (Children) (Activity 24)
"The Noble Duke of York"
by Susan McRae, Album: Barney’s Song Book - 16 Favourites for Kids (Children) (Activity 15)
"When The Saints Go Marching In" VIDEO
by Pete Fountain (Activity 2)
"The Noble Duke of York" VIDEO
by Barney's Magical Musical Adventure (Activity 15)
"Go, Flush, Wash, Dry" VIDEO
by Martin Kerr, Album: Favorite Songs from the Family Learning House (Children) (Activity 24)
Monthly Materials List
Click Here to view the list!
Fingerplay / Poems / Songs
Sing/Say The Alphabet
(Activity 26 Month 5)
ABCDEFG HIJKLMNOP QRSTUV WXYZ
Now I’ve said my ABC’s, Next time won't you sing with me.