Turtle time....

Hello Everyone!  Please forgive me for the absence - no good excuse other than good 'ole life getting busier by the day.  I am now; however, VERY ready and excited to share another fun, simple, and easy project for your kiddos!

First, I must say we don't have any pets (yet). If you don't have any either but are yearning for the next best thing, this cute, slow moving (and I mean reaaaaally slow :), super-easy to feed, and playful little companion might just be what the Dr. ordered. 

I got to thinking - "what can I make with all those fruit cups I have?"  Since Easter bunnies have essentially been put away after their season of hoppity fun, I somehow was reminded of the story of the Tortoise and the Hare.  In honor of the tortoise we made some turtles.  

Supplies

• plastic fruit cup (e.g.  Dole or Del Monte, etc.)
• green paper
• 2 eyes
• large green pom pom
• 2 different shades of green paint
• black paint (optional)
• paint brush or foam brush
• scissors
• glue

Step 1
Paint one shade of green to cover the outside of the cup, let dry.

Step 2
Draw out 4 legs and a tail on green paper and cut out.

Step 3
Using the second shade of green make a pattern of spots, let dry.

Step 4
Once paint is dry, flip cup over & place a small line of glue for legs & tail on edge of cup. Press legs/tail on gently. Flip back over to dry.

Step 5
Place two drops of glue for eyes and more glue at the base & side of cup for head.  Let glue dry.

Keep in mind... it takes a little time for the coat of paint to dry (especially if it is put on thick) so you might want to have another short activity for the kiddos to do to help pass the drying time.

Remember to encourage your kids to be creative and see what fun they will have if you put out a few different colors. For example, perhaps Mrs. Turtle can have a green shell and pink spots for fun! Or perhaps a pink head to add to the green shell.  Let your kids use their imaginations!  We were going to use the black paint at the tip of his feet but time got the best of us and we don't have pictures here.  Don't let that stop you though - create away!


A few turtle feeding facts to share with the kids:
   Some of the things turtles eat are worms, snails, crickets, leafy vegetables
   including lettuce, turnip greens, green beans, beets, and carrots to name a
   few.  Fruits they love to chomp on include grapes, kiwi, mangoes, apples
   and bananas.  Lastly, turtles are very fond of flowers. You can feed them
   pansies, petunias or one of their sure-fire favorites of dandelions.  

Make it simple, make it fun, and make it with the kids!

      XOXO, Nicole