Creating Colorful Chameleons: A Hands-On Process Art Inspired by A Color of His Own

One a beautiful sunny fall day my Jeep & I traveled to Syracuse, NE to visit Taylor's Tiny Friends, an in-home childcare. This experience was inspired by one of my favorite books A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni and the changing tree colors of fall. We explored the colors on a color wheel, played a color scavenger hunt in the childcare, and even found a chameleon hiding in the branch of an oak tree! Afterwards, each child created their own unique chameleons with open-ended materials. We "painted" with tissue paper squares that were wet down; adding foam stickers, sequins of various shapes, and feathers.

Materials and Preparation

For this project we used:

• Chameleon template found here

• Tissue paper, cut into squares

• Foam brushes

• Water

• Foam stickers

• Sequins

• Feathers

• Optional: leaves, flowers, grass, recycled wrapping paper

My biggest tip when we are creating hand-on art activities is to set-up a "mess-safe" space. The last thing we want to do is constantly having to redirect, so being in a space like the kitchen or outside where messes are okay is best!

A tablecloth that can be thrown in the wash is always a good idea!

Observations and Reflections from the Process

Observations, oh my! There was so much to document from this experience but here's just a few of my favorite:

• Variation in artistic choices showcased individual creativity and evolving identity exploration.

• The process promoted patience and openness to trial and error.

• Children found joy in blending colors and textures, reflecting the chameleon’s natural adaptability.

And for the educators who document, I will always try to include the educational & developmental benefits (this is just a very short list of what early literacy & hands-on art experiences do for a child):

• Supports emotional expression by connecting color choices to personal identity.

• Enhances fine motor skills through painting, gluing, and selecing materials

• Cultivates storytelling skills by encouraging verbal or written sharing about their creations.

• Builds confidence by valuing process over product.

  
  

Thank you Ms. Taylor for having The WildFlower Alchemy out!