How We Built Our Humpty Dumpties

  1. The first thing we did was to apply strips of newspaper soaked in liquid starch over a 9 inch balloon. Each child worked on their own and applied several layers of paper. In order to keep the balloons from rolling around they were placed in a bowl while children worked on one side at a time. Many parents came in to assist the children with this part of the project.

  2. We allowed the papier mache balloons to dry for several days.

  3. We used a fine exacto knife to cut a hole in one end and pop the balloon on the inside. The children really liked this part!

  4. We put a funnel into one end, and the children filled their Humpties with about two cups of beans so that they would be weighted on the bottom and sit up. We sealed up the small hole with masking tape.

  5. Each student picked an eggshell color and painted his/her Humpty Dumpty.

  6. Children drew pictures of ideas for the designs they wanted to paint on the bottom of their Humpties. Once satisfied with their design, they used colorful tempera paint to create the bottom portion of the Humpties.

  7. We used a large variety of art materials to decorate our Humpties and create their faces. The children were encouraged to explore and be creative. Teachers assisted the children in gluing and attaching things with hot glue.

  8. Finally, a pair of socks were stuffed by each child and then added to create legs for their Humpty. Everyone was proud of their hard work!