The story behind it
By TurkeyMom · November 2014
Ages3–7 yrs
Prep5 min
Activity20 min
Leveleasy
MessLow
Works for1:1 · Small group · Class
Tape white paper over an ear of Indian corn and gently rub crayons across it to reveal the bumpy kernel pattern. It's a simple, soothing Thanksgiving art project, and the rubbings can be framed or cut into corn shapes.
⚠️ Safety first
- Dried Indian corn kernels can come loose and are a choking hazard for young children. Check the ears before use and supervise closely.
- Wash hands after handling decorative corn, which may be dusty or treated for display.
Before the kids arrive
- Check each ear of Indian corn for loose kernels before kids use it.
Steps
Lay an ear of Indian corn on a sheet of white paper.
Wrap the paper over the corn and tape the edges so the paper stays in place.
Set out crayons so your child can choose colors.
Gently rub or color on the paper over the corn until the kernel markings show up.
Keep going with different colors to fill the paper. You can also skip the tape and just hold the paper down over the corn.
Admire the finished rubbing. Frame it as it is, or cut corn shapes from it.
Tips
- After a few tries your child will get the hang of it! Once the rubbings show up on the paper, things get really interesting for them.from the author
- We did not stick to Indian corn colors. As you can see, the kids loved their greens and purples.from the author
- My 6 year old preferred to hold down the paper instead of using a corn with taped paper. Whatever works for your kid, I say!from the author
- The entire process is very soothing.from the author
Make it your own
- Set out only browns, oranges, reds and yellows for Indian corn colors.
- Cut corn shapes from the finished rubbing art.
- Frame the rubbing as it is.
- String cut-out corn shapes into a corn bunting for the mantle.
- Try coin rubbings next for math and number sense.
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