Blue monster character with 1 eye, two horns and two fangs.
Activity

Make your own monster: Play dough activity and storytelling

Encourage creativity by making play dough monsters!

Recent discussions have emphasized the critical role of imagination in the education of students who are blind or have low vision. TSVI Jessica McDowell, in her Tactile Graphic Rich Environment post series, states, “Imagery and drawing sparks creativity and is such a natural part of preschool and elementary classrooms. Writing comes from telling stories and play. Children create stories about animals, monsters, and superhero beings.” She illustrates how integrating tactile graphics and drawing activities in Logan’s classroom profoundly influenced her students’ creativity, imagination, and conceptual understanding. This approach not only enhanced their social skills but also enriched their overall educational experience, showcasing the power of inclusive teaching methods.

Monster activity

This is a perfect activity for this spooky time of year – students will love creating their own monster!

Materials

The only required material is play dough. The other materials can be things gathered from your classroom or home. If desired, place all the monster materials in a small black cauldron.

Small black cauldron filled with a can of play dough and tactile materials (eye balls, pompoms, pipe cleaners, sequins, painted macaroni noodles, feathers, etc.

If you do not have access to tactile materials, don’t worry! Students can still be creative with playdough!

Monster with ears, fangs, nose, googly eyes, two-finger hands, etc.

Encourage students to use their imagination! If needed, prompt students before the activity by asking questions such as, how many limbs does your monster have? (legs, arms, wings, antennae, tail?)

What unique characteristics does your monster have? (Teeth, tenacles, scales, claws, horns?)

Story telling

Prep your student by asking questions about his/her monster. Tailor the questions for the age of your students. Example are given to help prompt creativity, if needed.

Character: 

Set the scene:

Unique Ability: 

What challenge does your monster face?

Tell a story about your monster.

Resources

Tactile Graphic Rich Environments series:

Monster posts:

By Diane Brauner

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