Make a Word Quilt Collage

What You Need:

• Cardboard or other sturdy paper from a real box, shoe box, or other household source
• Construction paper in a variety of colors
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers or crayons

What You Do:

1. Pick a theme for the paper quilt collage. It should be something of interest that is meaningful in your child’s life. For example, if your daughter loves dinosaurs, create a dinosaur quilt collage.
2. Cut the construction paper into squares. The size will depend on how small or large the backing cardboard is. Make sure that each square is large enough to accommodate one drawing or word.
3. Divide the squares in half. Half will be for illustrations; the others will be for words.
4. Ask your child to draw pictures based on the chosen theme onto the illustration squares. Crayons or markers can be used.
5. Brainstorm a list of words that accompany the illustrations. You might even want to introduce a few new words. Help your child spell the words. Point out each individual letter, and ask your child to name it. If your child is not yet ready to write these words independently, assist her by writing them first with a pencil. After you have written the words, encourage your child to trace each word with a marker. Make sure to say each word aloud as your child traces or writes it.
6. Have your child glue the illustrations and words onto the cardboard in a unique pattern.

This word quilt collage activity is a simple way to introduce basic art and early literacy concepts to your young child.