Excelsior Animals - Brief Article

Arts & Activities, May, 2001 by Mary J. Steinkamp

Most children enjoy creating animal art. Excelsior or shredded wood used for packing is fun to use for making animal forms. It has the advantage of being a dry mess as opposed to a wet one. Free excelsior is often available from shops that sell fancy dishes, furniture stores and some grocery stores.

I begin this lesson by distributing thread and excelsior so that each student has a small heap. Then I demonstrate with some materials in front of the class, capturing their attention by telling them, "There's a little puppy in this excelsior. Can you hear him? He's barking, `arf, arf.' He wants out. Watch carefully and we'll let him out."

Taking a handful of excelsior, I squeeze it firmly and begin wrapping white number 50 thread around it. I continue shaping it and showing them how important it is to zig-zag the thread in order to make a sturdy animal that will stand. Then I test my puppy to see if all four legs are even and add material if needed.

The children then begin to squeeze the excelsior into the shape they want--a dog, an elephant, a duck, whatever. I remind them to be sure to criss-cross the thread in order to make a firm animal. I move through the room to assist when needed, telling the youngsters, "Relax! You can't make a mistake."

The basic shapes are achieved. Ears, eyes and tails will all come later. We set the animals aside until the next session, when we will add these details and accessories. Our final job of the day is to quickly sweep the floor and tidy up the room.

In between sessions, I have adults spray-paint the animals in a spot outside that is protected from the wind. The colors are applied according to each child's instructions.

During our next session, the students add the details to their excelsior animals. Perky the Squirrel has a blue-ribbon tie. Mutt the Horse sports a pink mane, saddle, ears and tail. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations: An elephant does not have to be gray; a horse does not have to be brown, white or black. Anything goes!

For the final element of this project, the children enjoy composing poems or stories featuring their animal friends. After they have typed, proofread and illustrated their compositions, we put them in a booklet for the whole class to enjoy. Parents are happy to browse through the booklet at conference time, and the children nearly wear out the booklet during reading period.

Excelsior animals keep for years--I have a black Scottie dog that is 12 years old. Have fun with the animals and the poetry.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will ...

* create their own distinct animal sculptures.

* create three-dimensional art.

* use three-dimensional work as a springboard for writing an original poem.

Sister Mary J. Steinkamp, SNJM, has worked in elementary education for over 41 years. She presently works at the Madeleine School in Portland, Oregon, chiefly as a librarian.