Rock Pets

What You Do:

1. Begin with a brainstorming session. Gather up the rocks with your child and imagine what creatures they could be. Does she think one of her rock pets could be a beetle? What about a ferocious striped tiger?
2. Have your child start with the main body color for each of her rock pets. Let her use a paint brush to coat the entire surface of the rock with the body color. This will keep bits of rock from showing through gaps in the final paint job.
3. While the paint dries, help her pick the other colors that she needs to use for details. For stripes or spots, she can even use a paint pen or a permanent marker.
4. Have her add in the details of the rock pet's face  -- everything but the eyes!
5. For the finishing touch, let her glue on the funny wiggle eyes on to each rock pet's face.