Penguins are one of nature’s most endearing creatures. Their adorable little waddling walk, the way they swoop effortlessly in the water, and of course, they’re always dressed for success. This penguin process art is perfect for preschoolers and pre-k students. The project builds so many skills, and the results are absolutely priceless!

Process versus Product
Process art is almost always the better choice for early childhood students. They have a whole lifetime of doing things just like everyone else – so let them express themselves and be unique! The difference between the two approaches has been a discussion among teachers for years. Read more about the differences between the two here.

Materials Needed for Penguin Process Art
One of the best parts about process art is that it doesn’t take a lot of prep. This project only needs a few items.
- Construction Paper in blue, black, orange, yellow, and white
- 1 white oval for each child
- Glue sticks
- White crayons – to write names on the blue paper
That’s it!

Putting Penguins Together
First, students glue the oval on the center of a sheet of blue paper. Next, invite the students to rip the black, orange, yellow, and white paper into pieces. Encourage them to create a unique penguin by gluing the torn pieces in any design they would like. It might be helpful to have real pictures of penguins available for reference. Finally, students write their names on the background paper to sign their artwork!
Check out this Resource from my Shop!

Polar Animals Preschool Unit
$12.00Your preschool and Pre-K students will learn all about penguins, polar bears, and more in this complete Polar Animals Preschool Unit that is just right for 3-6-year-olds! The unit includes detailed circle time lesson plans, printable activities, and centers too.

Skill Building with Penguin Process Art
Process art is fun for preschool students, but it also helps them practice many important skills while they create.
- Critical thinking skills – Deciding what colors are needed and where to place them can be challenging. Students exercise their critical thinking skills to gauge which pieces fit or look best in a certain location.
- Emergent Math – Finding the right sizes of torn paper works on early math skills in regard to proportions. Students may decide to place the pieces in a pattern or form shapes for their masterpieces.
- Visual Analysis – Examining real-life photographs of penguins and comparing them to their artwork reinforces emerging visual analysis skills.
- Fine Motor – Even the simple act of tearing the paper works their fine motor muscles in a different way than writing or cutting with scissors.
Looking for more art ideas?

I love your ideas Jamie! Wish my little guy could go to preschool with you!!
Elyse π
Proud to be Primary
Thank you so much for your kind words! I guess Virginia is too far of a drive from Canada? π
Which part of VA? I grew up and got my teaching license in Lynchburg!
Hi Amy,
Northern VA– Loudoun County. Are you still in Lynchburg?
It's all about the process! Today we made a blue collage while listening to Rhapsody in Blue; tomorrow, they're making their own sheet music. Once in a while we'll do a craft to teach a skill (we did a penguin diagram from left to right: first, put on the beak, then the wings, etc) they still have freedom (where do you want the feet?)
I love the idea of creating art while listening to music! Thanks for commenting.