Teach Kids About Camouflage at Halloween
Fun & Active Lesson Plan About Animals That Match Their Environment
Oct 14, 2009
A vast array of animals utilizes camouflage for protection from their predators. Children can have fun learning about animal camouflage at Halloween with teacher’s tips and lesson plans designed around a Halloween book with a fun focus on camouflage called Winnie the Witch by Korky Paul [HarperCollins, 1987]. After reading the story:
- Use props and the poem "The Not So Camouflaged Cat."
- Provide opportunity for fine motor skills with a camouflaged cat craft.
- Encourage active learning with camouflage activities.
- Explore web sites for fun ideas and cool camouflage pictures.
Props and Poem – The Not So Camouflaged Cat:
Supplies for Cat Picture Props for The Not So Camouflaged Cat:
- Construction paper (black, green, red, yellow, pink, purple)
- Markers (black, green, blue)
- Cat pattern (make one or use die cut)
- Glue
- Scissors
Make six different cat pictures (see pictures 3-5 below) to show while reading the poem, including:
- Black cat with green eyes & black whiskers on black paper
- Black cat with no eyes & black whiskers on black paper
- Green cat with green eyes & green whiskers on black paper
- Green cat with green eyes & green whiskers on green paper
- Cat with red head, yellow body, purple legs, blue whiskers, and pink tail on green paper
- Black cat with green eyes and black whiskers on paper that is multi-colored (pre-made or made by gluing pieces of various colors on the background paper)
"The Not So Camouflaged Cat" – An original poem by Katrena Wells
One black cat with eyes of green; Winnie is happy that Wilbur can be seen.
Wilbur goes to sleep with eyes shut tight…Winnie can’t see him though she looks with all her might.
Out comes the wand and now Wilbur’s green; But Winnie sees Wilbur on a bed she wants clean.
Wilbur is put out right upon the grass, But Winnie cannot see him and falls again…alas!
Wilbur now is multi-colored and easy to see; Only problem is – he’s staying in the tree.
Winnie loves Wilbur and makes him black once more; They both enjoy a colorful house and happiness for sure.
Camouflage Halloween Craft, Activity, and Web Resources
Use patterns from above and have the children make one or both of the following (see pictures below):
- Multi-colored cat on green paper – kids glue the colorful cat parts onto green paper (this one is quicker)
- Black cat on multi-colored paper – kids glue various colored paper pieces onto background and then glue black cat with green eyes on top (larger pieces help this project to go faster)
These Halloween Camouflage activities will get students out of their seats with hands-on practice:
- Place different colored stations around the room – use construction paper, poster board, or make various colored small “houses” out of boxes or go large with appliance boxes decorated with bulletin board paper.
- Cut out a variety of animals from different colored construction paper and have children take their animals to the various matching colors.
- Children can also decide which home would serve as the best camouflage for their shirts – this can be further developed with a graphing activity.
- Bring in various Halloween costumes and let students vote on which color backdrop would serve as the best camouflage for each.
These web sites are focused on animal camouflage:
- Brain Pop Jr. web site has teacher tips and family activities.
- If You Can’t Run You’ve Got to Hide! web page offers several fun camouflage pictures and online games.
Teach Children About Camouflage for Halloween
Black cats and dark nights seem to go together for Halloween, but the classroom mood will probably be bright as students enjoy Winnie the Witch, "The Not So Camouflaged Cat," crafts, activities, and web resources related to camouflage.
Readers may also wish to read about Halloween safety tips for people who are handing out treats and tips for providing safe treats for children with special needs.
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