Heart-shaped Mouse

Exploring Card Making, Animals and Heart Shape

(Projects can be Community Service, MLK or Valentine Holiday Related)

Mouse Heart Shape Project

This construction paper rodent can hold its own small card, making it perfect for Valentines Day

Vocabulary: Symmetry, asymmetry, horizontal versus vertical (for paper format)

Materials: Glue, scissors, yarn, pencils/markers/colored pencils/crayons

Directions:

  1. Discuss symmetry versus asymmetry – point out differences with examples around the room
  2. Show students how to fold a piece of paper and cut both sides simultaneously, creating symmetry
  3. Fold paper (in some cases kids will need assistance with folding paper)
  4. Draw heart (in some cases students may need you to draw half a heart on their folded paper)
  5. Cut out folded heart
  6. Demonstrate how to use glue, whether using glue sticks or the quick bottles (students may feel inclined to use more than needed which can be messy)
  7. Use yarn for tail and glue between wide end of folded heart
  8. Students cut and glue ears nose and feet and other details – this is where students can be creative (clothing, add items for the mouse to hold)
  9. Use marker to add details like whiskers (nose is pointed end of folded heart)
  10. If making a card, unfold mouse and write inside
  11. On separate paper, make the mouse hole and home with realistic habitat features or draw creative features that could also include miniature bed, cheese, etc.

Opportunity for Discussion, Learning and Play:

See also: Card Making

Animated children’s books:

  • If you give a mouse a cookie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3_Ngjdc0IQ
  • Mouse Count Book http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zVGy0AiyzI
  • There’s a Mouse in the House! Children’s poems and stories