Beeswax Animals

Purpose: This activity is almost limitless in its possibilities.  Children can make figures from stories in order to increase comprehension, they can create characters for their own stories, or they can model animals that are being read about in books.  When children talk with others about their own interpretations of characters (or events) in books, they are taking part in "literacy events" that contribute to early reading success. Beeswax modeling seems to have a calming effect on most children and allows them to be more receptive to stories as they hold the wax and give it warmth.

 

Materials/Advance Preparation:

• Modeling beeswax (see note below)
• Stories to read or create (see above)

 

Directions:

1. Put the beeswax in a warm (but not hot!!) place so that it is already a bit warm, before giving it to the children.
2. Have the children rub their hands for a while to make them warm.
3. As they are warming their hands talk to them about specific animals.  How many legs does an elephant have?  Does it have a tail?  What kind of nose does it have?
4. Give each child ½ piece of modeling beeswax and let them try to make an animal.  They may need some help at first figuring out how to pull the legs out of the wax and how to make a head.  Give as much help as necessary.
5. When they are finished, have the children talk about their animals.  Find a table where they might be displayed.
6. Beeswax gets harder when it cools, but can easily be reshaped when warmed.

    

Notes: Modeling beeswax is expensive initially, but can be reused many times.  It is a wonderful medium for young children because it generates warmth back into little hands rather than being cold like clay.  Modeling beeswax may be purchased from:  http://hearthsong.com/ or call (800) 325-2502

Eric Gidseg

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