Not a Stick
TIP: When children imagine, guess, describe, and wonder, they learn to think in new ways. After reading the book, introduce a variety of small sticks to your art area. Encourage the children to consider the many different ways a stick can be used with their imagination.
In this story, the pig uses a stick to fight dragons, conduct an orchestra and go fishing. It's amazing what a stick can be when it's not a stick.
Prompting Questions:
- What else could be made with this stick?
- What would you want to make with this stick?
- Why can a stick become so many different things?
- Have you ever used your imagination to make something wonderful from a stick?
- Educators, are there other books in your collection that could be used for this type of imaginative thinking?
Related Creative Activities
Imagine the Possibilities of a Box
Turn a Mistake Into Something Beautiful
What to Do When You Get Stuck
Building with Natural Found Objects
It’s a Wrap!
Students will explore the symbols and colors on the Osage blanket and will experience how different types of clothing and materials influence movement of the human body. Students will also create a class blanket displaying symbols that are important to them.
What Does Mud Have to Do With It?
Students learn about using common materials from the earth to create art. After spending time examining the materials used by Roxanne Swentzell and learning about her process and intent for Mud Woman Rolls On, students experiment with dirt, sand, water, and straw to gain a real world experience using materials like those used by the artist.
