Chameleon Watercolor Painting

You can start your lesson by reading Eric Carle’s “Mixed-Up Chameleon”, which gives the students freedom to decorate their reptile however they want.
1. I like to make my own chipboard templates which give students the overall shape, but leaves some detail for them to add. In this case, I gave them the body and tail shape, but left the legs for them to add on. After the students trace the template in pencil, they could draw four legs underneath, and add an eye and tongue.
2. When the body was done, hand out either crayons or oil pastels. I know the pastels are a little messy, but they do make much brighter colors. The students are to trace drawing in pastel, and then add some patterns on the inside of their chameleon.
3. Lastly, give each student liquid watercolors and show them how to gently dip and paint the inside of their chameleons. This can be a good intro to watercolor painting as young kids often think that their art will be covered up if they paint on top. Future resist projects may be easier if they understand this concept first.