Introducing the Earth to Young Children
A Globe Art Project for the Early Childhood Classroom
It may be messy, but paper mache is is a sure fire way to ignite the creativity of a young child. Not only is this a wonderful way to explore the artistic process, but it can be an excellent sensory exploration too. This activity integrates well into multiple preschool themes. Examples include oceans, where we live, seasons, or weather.
Lesson Objectives for the Paper Mache Globe
- Explore the art process of paper mache.
- Increase awareness of three dimensional art forms and space.
- Discover the world that we live in.
- Begin a basic understanding of geography.
- Develop new vocabulary skills (e.g., continent, glacier, ocean, etc.).
- Increase fine motor skills.
- Follow multiple steps in a sequence.
Grade Level
Four years and above. Younger children may need much more adult assistance.
Materials Needed for the Paper Mache Globe
- Non-toxic Paper Mache paste (this can be a store bought mix or you can make your own with one of the many recipes available in craft books or on-line)
- Balloons (be sure to ask parents about allergies first)
- Blue or white construction paper cut into long, narrow strips
- Thick paper or cardboard cut into long narrow strips
- Tempera paint (white, brown, green, blue) and brushes
- Optional materials: cotton balls, silver or opal glitter, craft sand, glue
Steps for Creating Paper Mache Globes
Before beginning this art activity, discuss globes and the Earth with your class. Read books, look at pictures, or bring in a real globe. Make sure to use vocabulary words such as continent in order to reinforce the different parts of the Earth.
Pre-planning steps should include:
- Preparing a work surface. This may mean covering a table with paper or a cloth.
- Making sure that the children are wearing clothes that can get messy. It is helpful to send a note home prior to starting this project.
- Cutting strips of construction paper. Use blue if you would like the children to start with an ocean, then add land later with paint. If you would rather have the children paint everything, start with white paper.
- Cut long, thin strips of a sturdy paper. Staple these into circles. These will be used as drying and display stands.
- Blow up the balloons.
- Preparing the paper mache mix (this can be set out in bowls for the children to share).
Process Steps:
- Invite the children to dip the paper, piece by piece, into the paper mache mix. After dipping, extra paste can be squeezed off by using fingers.
- Place the paper (again, piece by piece) around the balloon. Remind the children to press down and mold the pasted paper onto the ballonn.
- Continue this until each child has covered his or her balloon.
- Set the paper mache balloons on the pre-made stands to dry. This may take several days. Rotation of the balloons is necessary to dry evenly. Remember to label each piece of art work (this can be done on the stand or by placing a name label near each balloon).
- After the balloons are dry paint continents (brown and green), the North and South poles (white), and the oceans (blue).
- Optional: Add cotton balls for clouds, glitter for snow or rain, and sand for deserts.
Conclusion and Wrap Up for the Globe Activity
After the globes are finished (and dry), have a show and share. Ask the children to talk about the art process that they used to make these creations. Was anything difficult? What was the most fun? How did the paper mache feel?
Enrichment Activities for the Globe Art Project
- Geography: Have a mini geography lesson.
- Environment/ Nature: Discuss the different regions of the Earth and how they are similar and/or different.
The paper mache globe activity is a great addition to regular classroom art projects. Although it may be messy, young children will have while learning through this lesson.
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