This charming tale of creativity and imagination has inspired children to explore their own unique worlds and to bring all their wildest dreams to life.
Therefore, to help bring Harold’s imagery world to life, we have compiled a list of fun activities you can enjoy with your children.
From arts and crafts to informative lessons, these activities will help you to bring the magic of Harold and the Purple Crayon into your home.
With this in mind, here is a collection of the best Harold and the Purple Crayon activities to take part in while reading the story.
Like how Harold draws his own adventures in the book, this next activity allows your little ones to do exactly the same thing – allowing their imagination to take the lead.
Materials
Crayola dry-erase crayon
Paper
Printer
Laminator
Directions
The first step is to find an empty wall where you can capture images of your kids in different Harold-esque poses. (TIP: For this step, it helps to have the book open to copy a few of the different poses).
Once you have chosen the images you’re going to use, you’ll want to photoshop the poses onto a white background.
Then print off the images and laminate them.
Now your child is ready to draw up whatever imaginative story they want for themselves and then wipe it away to create another one!
Just like making regular play dough, this crayon play dough is super simple to whip up. Your child is sure to be rewarded with endless fun.
Materials
2 and a half crayons
3 cups of flour
1 ½ cup salt
2 tbsp cream of tartar
2 tbsp of oil
Directions
You’ll first want to start by chopping up your crayons.
Then, in a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and cream of tartar).
Heat up the oil in a pan and then add the chopped crayons. Stir until they are completely melted.
While stirring, pour in 2 cups of water. Certain crayons will either create a clumpy, goopy purple liquid, while others will create a smooth liquid once the water is added. Either way is fine, just remember to keep stirring.
Then, you’ll want to add the dry ingredients. Here, the dough should form into a small ball over the heat.
Once the dough has been pulled together, dump the dough onto a cool counter or cutting board and start kneading for a few minutes.
Once cooled, the dough is ready to be played with!
Painting on the wall is never acceptable unless you’re taking part in this giant crayon mural!
Here, your kids can fulfill their wildest dreams and paint on the walls until their heart’s content thanks to the protective white butcher paper.
Just like Harold and the Purple Crayon, you’ll allow children to let their imaginations go wild.
Materials
Purple crayons
Roll of white butcher paper
Clear packing tape
Purple paint
Directions
You’ll want to start by taping large pieces of white butcher paper to an empty wall. This should be approximately 8 feet long and you can use two pieces to make it roughly 5 feet high.
Once done, you can draw whatever drawing prompt you want on the mural – this helps your children’s imagination. You can choose one directly from Harold and the Purple Crayon or create one of your own.
Now the mural is ready for your children to start bringing their imagination to life.
10 ml Lavender 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil
2 Lb Clear Glycerin Organic Soap Base
Crayon Pop Candy Mold
Matte Lavender Soap Color Bar or Liquid
Knife
Spoon
Measuring Cup
Directions
Start by cutting the soap block into small pieces. Here, you can get your kids involved by having them pace the cubes in a measuring cup.
Then you’ll want to microwave the wax in intervals of a minute. Check your wax until it has completely melted. Make sure you’re careful when handling the measuring cup as this will be hot.
Then you’ll want to add a few drops of lavender oil to the melted soap.
Then mix in the purple soap dye.
Give it a stir and then pour your mixture into the soap mold.
Allow them to sit until they are completely hardened.
Once ready you can take them into bath time!
Final Thoughts
Harold and the Purple Crayon is the perfect example of the magnitude of your child’s imagination. With only a simple crayon, readers are taken on an epic adventure.
Allow your children to experience their own adventure with the help of these Harold and the Purple Crayon activities.
From hands-on, messy creations to elaborate drawings and impressive murals, these activities will have your children’s creativity flowing.
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