The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater is a wonderful book about a neighborhood where all the houses are the same. A bird flies by and drops orange paint on one man’s home, creating a ‘splot’ on his roof which becomes offensive to the neighbors. He ends up being inspired by the ‘splot’ to make the house look like the home of his dreams. One by one, he convinces the neighbors to have their homes represent their dreams and inspires them to be true to themselves rather than blending in with everyone else. The book is splashed with colorful illustrations.
*This post contains affiliate links.The Big Orange Splot Art Activity
You will need:
- Construction paper in two colors-We used orange and brown as it looked similar to the book.
- Scissors
- Decorative elements of your choice
- We used:
- Crayons
- Watercolor Crayons
- Pom poms
- Craft sticks
- White glue
- Craft gems
After reading and discussing The Big Orange Splot, cut out (or have students cut out) a generic house shape and glue the roof to the top. The shape I cut was inspired by the book. To go along with the book, the houses should start out identical (or very similar). Then, bust out the craft supplies and let the children create houses of their imagination with little or no suggestions. It is amazing how many variations you will see using the same supplies. This project really brings out kids’ personalities. It is also fun to ask kids about their houses to see what inspired their décor.
Here are more educational activities with the Neighborhood theme from the #TeachECE team.
- 7 Ways to Grow a Reader on a Neighborhood Walk from Growing Book by Book
Community Helpers Bingo Alphabet Activity by Mom Inspired Life
Word Family Houses from Rainy Day Mum - Community Helpers Theme for Preschool: Bubbly Fires Science Activity! from The Preschool Toolbox
- My Neighbourhood Preschool Math Color Sorting by Learning 2 Walk
- Shapes in Our Neighborhood Book from Munchkins and Moms
- Fireman Playdough Printable by Life Over C’s
- Kid Made Neighborhood Blocks from Still Playing School
- My Neighborhood Community Helpers Guess Who by Tiny Tots Adventures
What a fabulous sounding book I'd love to read that and the craft is so great to bring it alive as well.
This is one of my favorite books!
Hi Cerys.
I think your family would enjoy the book. It has different layers of meaning for children of different ages.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Growing Book by Book.
We love it too. I love that it has a deeper meaning.
: 0 ) Theresa
This is a wonderful book and your craft project looks like a beautiful invitation to be creative.
Thank you Shelah.
The had so much fun being able to make their houses into whatever they wanted. It was amazing to see how different they all were using the same supplies. Some were Intentionally minimalistic and others abundant and overflowing.
: 0 ) Theresa
I have never heard of this book before (and I know about most kids' books)! I can't wait to look for it so my son and I can read it and try this cute activity.
Thank you Tricia.
I hope you and your son enjoy it. Our kids love the book.
: 0 ) Theresa
I need to find this book! It sounds great. I know my kids would LOVE this activity!
Hi Danielle.
It is a fun book. I think your family will enjoy it.
: 0 ) Theresa
I'm a HUGE sucker for kids' books. But I've never heard of this one. I love the message behind it. Will pin to refer back to once we get it 🙂
Thank you Alana.
Thanks for pinning. I hope you enjoy it when the time is right.
: 0 ) Theresa
Oh! I've never read this book with my kids before. It sounds like a great one, and the activity looks like so much fun. Thank you!
Thank you Shann Eva.
I think you'd enjoy reading it to your kids The colorful illustrations really capture their imaginations.
: 0 ) Theresa
This looks like such a good book and activity! I'll be requesting it at our library soon!
Hi Clarissa.
I hope you enjoy it. The nice thing is you can use whatever art supplies you have on hand.
: 0 ) Theresa