The children of Ms. Nicholson’s Tuition Based Preschool have studied African Animals this school year. They have enjoyed reading many of Eric Carles’ books to learn about the similarities and differences of these animals.

For this project, the students made a list of their 10 most favorite African Animals and spent a few weeks preparing journal style drawings of these animals and some of their noteable features. Animal print variations, trunks and horns, tails and teeth were all noted and addressed in these fun drawings.

Afterward, the students prepared painted papers, in the spirit of Eric Carle, to be used to create collages. We finished the painting in two separate sessions. The kids all enjoyed the messy nature of the process.

The journal drawings created by the students were used as guides and determined how I constructed each animal collage using their painted papers. Each page in this book has captured details from the wonderful drawings made by these preschoolers.

The best part of this project was the last step in which the story was conceived and largely written by these kids.  Their discussions of the images led this Zebra down the paths of Africa, searching for fun, and what they unanimously declared he should find was the joy of friendship. This joy was described in full color with the Rainbow Zebra realizing he was filled with the colorful beauty of each of his new friends.

What made this so special was how much excitement the kids maintained about this unit and how obvious it was that they each valued each other and the idea of friendship.

A huge thank you to Ms Nicholson, Ms. Sandra, and Ms Palmer for teaching these invaluable lessons.  I also want to thank Brad Miller for scanning the original art, and Joe, the nice Kinko’s employee who helped in so many ways.

Sincerely, Stephanie Taiber