I have always loved grasshoppers. I grew up on 7.5 acres in the country with fields surrounding us, so there were always lots of different kinds of grasshoppers to chase. Then, in 6th grade I started my insect collection and had even more reason to catch them. They were some of the most challenging because of their ability to jump great distances – I would say that only dragonflies were harder with their ability to fly in any direction.
Today we are going to be making our own grasshoppers out of clothespins and pipe cleaners. My cats have been extremely interested in my grasshoppers, so I fully predict one will be stolen this weekend. I hope that they are as popular at your house as they are at mine! lol
I also have a Grasshopper-themed game ready to pair with this relatively quick and easy craft – I hope maybe you will spend some time watching real life grasshoppers and then do the craft and the game when you need an inside break.
Supply List
- Wooden clothespin
- 3 pipe cleaners in grasshopper colors – I used 2 light green and one dark green.
- Green paint
- Paint brush, cup, apron, and table covering
- 2 google eyes
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Directions
The first thing we need to do for this craft is paint your clothespin. I like to cover all the surfaces except the bottom – I do not open the clothespin and paint between the touching surfaces either. You don’t want it to be completely stuck closed for upcoming steps.
While the paint dries, it is time to cut the pipe cleaners into the 6 legs and a set of antennas. I cut one of my leg pipe cleaners and my antenna pipe cleaner in half by folding in half and cutting at the fold. You will only need one of the halves of each of those pipe cleaners. I fold the third pipe cleaner into thirds and then cut on those folds. You will use two thirds from that pipe cleaner.
To fold the shorter sets of legs (the two one-third pieces), I basically make a capital M shape with feet on the ends. Fold the piece in half in the middle, then fold a quarter of the piece down on each side and fold a small foot on each end. To fold the long back legs, use the half pipe cleaner piece and again fold it in half. This time you want to fold the legs so they go backwards, not sideways, but you still fold a quarter of each side down and fold a small foot on each end. For the antennas, you fold the pipe cleaner half in half and then curve the halves backwards. See the pictures for more details if you have questions here.
Once your clothespin is dry, it is time to start adding legs. I do not glue the legs in place, but you certainly can if you want your grasshopper to be more durable. I feed the two sets of front legs through the two holes in the sides where the clothespin halves come together, and I feed the back legs through the hold that is in the spring mechanism.
Next I attach the antennas to the front of the clothespin with the hot glue gun.
Lastly, I add the google eyes on the very bottoms of the antennas.
There you have it, a fun summer grasshopper!
As I say every week, my goal with this blog is to make sure that people leave each of my posts feeling equipped to practice articulation or phonics with their learner. So, I always have a game from my Teachers Pay Teachers store (Autumn Emigh Creative Communication Solutions) on special sale for you. This week, it is a game called “Grasshopper Hop.” The product includes instructions with a link to a digital Google Slides game. You also receive printable game boards in color and black and white. The digital and printable versions of the game contain the same 12 initial GR blend words for your learner to practice. Get it until August 23rd for half price – just $1.00!
Just click on the photo above or HERE to get your copy today! And be sure to fill out the form below to get on my email list. Not only are my email subscribers the first to know when each of my blog posts goes live, they also get information about products, events, and summits each week. I’ll always do my best to make it worthwhile for you to stick around, but it is super easy to unsubscribe if you ever wish to.
That’s it for this week. I hope you get to enjoy some nature and some grasshoppers this week! I will be back next week with a Popsicle Garland craft and a popsicle game!
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