P is for peacock craft and what a fun and bright study it makes for busy and curious preschoolers who love to create with their hands. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool. And look at my page Free Bird Unit Study for more bird activities.
Introducing the letter P through a fun and colorful peacock craft is a wonderful way for preschoolers to make strong letter-sound connections while exploring nature and creativity through a quick study of the bird.
First, here are some facts to share as you create. I have a variety of books, craft ideas, and videos to round out a colorful, quick study.
But rather than focusing solely on P is for Peacock, we are going to expand to other P words to give your child a full understanding of the sound and structure of the letter as a whole.
Finally, we will finish up with a project that incorporates Mod Podge and painting to create a pretty and functional craft that can hold a wide variety of treasures, from school supplies to colorful gems, or be illuminated with a battery-operated candle.
BOOKS & RESOURCES ABOUT PEACOCKS FOR KIDS
Also, look at these books and resources about peacocks.
I prefer living books when I can find them.
Books and Resources to Learn About Peacocks
Add one or two of these resources to your study about peacocks.
On average how many years do peacocks live
for? Are peacocks animals which can be kept as pets?
In this book you will explore the wonderful world of peacocks, finding the answers to these questions and so many more. Complete with incredible pictures to keep even the youngest of children captivated, you will all embark on a little journey into the great unknown.
The next Big Book in the series introduces young children to some of the most colorful, magnificent, silly, and surprising feathered creatures from around the world.
Following up the hugely successful The Big Book of Bugs, The Big Book of Beasts, and The Big Book of the Blue, The Big Book of Birds is a fact-filled tour of the world’s most wonderful winged creatures. Yuval Zommer’s distinctive illustrations show off some of the most colorful, flamboyant, impressive, and wacky birds of the sky. Picture-book charm pairs with informative nonfiction to make a beautiful, large-format title for parents to share with young children and for older children to read by themselves.
100% Genuine natural peacock feathers.
Approximate Size :10-12 inch
An interesting and informative look into the life and behavior of peafowl for young readers.This book covers the physical characteristics, habitat, family life, behavior, and conservation of peafowl.
Can YOU dance like a peacock? Stand up straight, fluff your feathers, stretch your neck, and STRUT STRUT STRUT!
Discover the amazing ways that animals use movement to communicate! Lighthearted text and vibrant illustrations teach readers how honeybees waggle, dolphins splash, and flamingoes march. It even invites kids to get up and try out some animal-inspired dance moves themselves
Next, look at these facts for preschoolers about peacocks.
11 PEACOCK FACTS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
- Peacocks are very big birds with long feathers that can be taller than a grown-up.
- Only boy peacocks have fancy tails- The boys (peacocks) have bright, colorful feathers. The girls (called peahens) are brown and help keep babies safe.
- A peacock can open its tail feathers really wide-like a big rainbow fan.
- Their feathers look blue and green because they reflect sunlight.
- Peacocks live in warm countries like India.
- They like forests, farms, and grassy places.
- Peacocks can squawk very loudly, loud enough for people far away to hear.
- Peacocks eat seeds, bugs, berries, and small plants.
- Just like baby chickens are chicks, baby peafowl are called peachicks.
- Even though they are big, peacocks can fly up into trees to sleep safely at night.
- The circles on the feathers look like little eyes, even though they’re not real eyes.
And next, look at these bird unit study ideas.
P IS FOR PEACOCK CRAFT AND RESOURCE IDEAS
- How to Make an Easy Bird Craft Fun Paper Plate Peacock
- Chalk Art Peacock Craft For Kids
- Coffee Filter Peacock Craft
P Book Basket – fill a small basket with books that highlight the letter P or animals:
- Pancakes, Pancakes
- Pinkalicious
- Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
- Press Here
- The Popcorn Book
- The Pokey Little Puppy
Choosing any book focusing on colors, birds, or feathers would be great to bring a science component to your lesson. For reference, we used The Big Book of Birds as our science resource.
- Alphabet Matching- Make simple cards, one card with a P, one with a picture of a peacock, and kids match the letter to the picture. Add more pairs as each letter is introduced.
If you have ever had a Leapfrog product, you are likely familiar with this catchy tune…
P says /p/
P says /p/
Every letter makes a sound,
And P says /p/ for peacock!
Finally, look at how to make this fun peacock craft.
P IS FOR PEACOCK CRAFT
You will need:
- A clean jar
- Colorful tissue paper
- Jumbo craft sticks
- Craft paint/pens
- Scrap of yellow craft felt or foam
- Watered-down school glue
- Google eyes
Have your child “paint” watered-down school glue all over the outside of a clean jar.
Press tissue paper all the way around, tearing off the excess.
“Paint” another coat of glue on top, making sure to cover all the tissue. If your tissue tears, just add a piece over it.
To create the head and neck of our peacock, we will make a quick papier-mache. Simply soak a wad of tissue paper in the glue mixture, then shape it into a head-and-neck.
Press the glue-covered shape into place on the jar; it should hold it in place. You can put a rubber band or something around it to hold it in place while it dries if you like.
Set aside to dry. While you are waiting, you can begin painting the colorful tail feathers.
Paint jumbo craft sticks in bright, fun colors, dry, then flip and paint the other side. You will want at least 8.
If you wish, you can add glitter or the little “eyes” at the top of the tail with paint markers to give it more detail.
Once everything is dry, it is time to begin assembling. Start by adding googly eyes and a scrap of yellow craft foam or felt for a beak onto the face.
Attach feathers to the back using a strong tacky glue, preferably hot glue, because it holds well and dries quickly. Fan them out to show them off.
Your completed peacock jar can hold a battery-operated tealight, or any treasures you like. I thought it made a fantastic holder for our colored pencils.
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