Paper Plate Puppies

Suggested Grade Level: Preschool-K

Based on: Barney & Friends #704: "Puppy Love"

Objectives:
Because so many children have dogs, they feel more comfortable with them than with any other pet. When children have a pet, it is a good time for them to learn kindness and responsibility.

The children will:

• learn that all dogs have certain characteristics (classification)
• learn there are many kinds of dogs
• know that a baby dog is called a puppy
• know that dogs can be household pets

Skills:

• Art
• Pretend play
• Following directions

Materials:

• One paper plate per child
• Markers or crayons
• One craft stick per child

Directions:
Begin by showing students pictures of many different kinds of dogs and puppies. Discuss length of hair, size of animals, etc.

Give each child markers and crayons to decorate their paper plate to look like a dog with whiskers, ears, eyes and markings.

Tape paper plate to a craft stick to make it into a puppet. Invite students to use their puppets to make their dogs come to life. They will have fun making the puppets "bark," "wag" and "whimper."

Extension:
Set up a veterinarian's office in the dramatic play center.

Some suggested props may include a scale, stethoscope, adhesive bandages, a leash, and many stuffed animals. Children can practice taking care of sick pets while learning how to care for animals.

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