The following lesson plan details steps used to create a storybook based on the Three Little Pigs. This is not connected to one specific version of the story or any particular book. There are many, many versions of the Three Little Pigs available in libraries, book stores, or on-line. Teachers should choose a version that meets the needs of the classroom.
Three Little Pigs Storybook Art Activity Lesson Objectives
- Explore multiple art making processes and materials
- Increase fine motor development
- Develop sequencing skills
- Explore books and book making (this includes book covers, writers/illustrators, and page direction and placement)
- Discover architecture elements (increase awareness of building materials used)
- Develop a narrative through artistic expression
- Explore shape, color, pattern, and texture
- Develop art vocabulary skills
Grade/Age Level
Ages four through six years.
Materials Needed to Create a Storybook
- Card stock or other thick paper (two pieces per child)
- Construction paper (three pieces per child)
- Construction paper shapes (circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles)
- Hole punch
- Pipe cleaners or yarn
- Raffia or other hay like material
- Craft sticks
- Glue
- Modeling clay
- Markers or crayons
Steps to Create a Three Little Pigs Storybook
Prior to beginning this activity there are several pre-planning and material preparing steps to follow. These include:
- Cut out shapes from the construction paper. These will be used to build houses and create pig faces. Plan the size accordingly.
- Hole punch the card stock and construction paper sheets with two holes (near the top and bottom) on the left side of each piece. The children will sew pipe cleaners or yarn through these holes to bind the book together.
- Cut raffia into sections that are two to four inches long.
- Cut pipe cleaners in half. If you are using yarn, cut it into eight inch sections.
- Find an appropriate Three Little Pigs book. Book choice may be based on lesson objectives and class needs. For example, if you have a younger class try a book that focuses less on the big, bad wolf. Additionally, some little pigs books contain storylines that focus on specific content areas such as music, dance, or art.
Process Steps:
- Create a book cover. Using the first piece of card stock, have the children collage faces of the three little pigs with the paper shapes and glue. A large circle can be the face, a smaller circle can be the nose, and triangles can be used for the ears. Use crayons or markers to add eyes and a mouth. Set aside to dry when finished.
- Create page one (a house made from straw). Children can collage a house by gluing paper shapes to a piece of construction paper. These shapes may include triangles, squares, and rectangles. Using glue, the children can now add raffia (straw) to the house. Set aside to dry.
- Create page two (a house made out of sticks). Collage a house on the second sheet of construction paper using glue and shapes. Glue craft sticks on as sticks. Set aside to dry.
- Create page three (a house made out of bricks). Collage a house onto the third sheet of construction paper using paper shapes and glue. Add bricks. The bricks can be molded from the modeling clay. Ask the children to apply a thin layer of glue (from a glue stick) to the house first. They can then press their clay bricks into place. Set aside to dry.
- When each page is dry, place them in order cover first. Add a back page of card stock.
- Invite the children to sew the book together by threading either yarn or pipe cleaners through the pre-punched holes and tying or bending closed. Please be careful when using pipe cleaners with young children. The ends can be very sharp, and this material should only be used with those who are developed enough to handle them responsibly.
Three Little Pigs Lesson Conclusion
Finish this lesson by having a group show and share storytime. Ask each child to display his or her book. Allow the class to read from the pictures. This may take more than one class to complete.
The Three Little Pigs storybook activity is a fun way to introduce a classic tale in the frame of an art activity. Young children can create individual books that highlight their own interpretations of the narrative. Additionally, this lesson promotes the exploration of basic art and architecture elements.
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