Of all the art lessons I do with my kinder classes, the Eric Carle inspired seahorse project is my favorite. It’s a great way to teach painting techniques (both tempera and watercolor), cutting and pasting skills and offers a wonderful canvas for free expression. I use templates for the seahorse but some children draw their own and all add their favorite designs on the seahorse. Sometimes we use painted paper scraps, sometimes glitter and most recently, we used sequins.
Once you have your painted paper to play with, the lesson can be completed in one 50-minute session. I read the book Mr. Seahorse by Eric Carle, completed the watercolor paper step and started on cutting out the seahorse in one class. I used a second class to embellish the seahorses.
For templates and tutorials, you might consider my Eric Carle Inspired Art Lessons Booklet.
Also try, How to Create Painted Paper
Kindergarten Seahorses:
Other Kinder projects using Painted Paper:
Eric Carle Inspired Butterflies
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I did this lesson with third graders this year…they loved it and we got some wonderful results!
The results of this lesson with first grade were wonderful! Thank you for your amazing ideas! I love your blog!
Thank you for this lesson. It was a HUGE hit in my summer program. I taught multi-age classes from 1-5th grade. All of the students loved this and it was a 100% success rate for all the students. This is a must do lesson for all the Eric Carle fans. Thank you for your amazing ideas and lessons. I LOVE your blog!
My kids LOVE Eric Carle – and especially Mr. Seahorse – what a wonderful idea! We just got back from the beach and this would make a wonderful art project to try at home! Thanks so much!
This will go over brilliantly with my girls. I am simply loving your blog so far and can’t thank you enough for sharing!
Thank you so much for making this website! As an Art Ed student, these lessons help me out tremendously! You’re awesome!
Love your site! I just finished the Eric Carle “Mr. Seahorse” with Kindergarten group, they turned out great.
We did the butterflies last year. They were beautiful. Any other K /1 projects that do not include paint – I’ve just lost my art room and I’m now teaching art in the library! No Sink, has carpet and we have to be quiet. 3 things that don’t go too well with art. Your site has helped me sooooo much the last 2 years. Just wanted to finally let you know.
Thank you Rozy! That means alot to me!
That’s why I’m here! And thanks for the lovely comments. You made my day!