Jan Brett Play Masks

I made these masks for my kids nearly four years ago, and we are still playing with them!

Even baby gets in on the action!

Author and illustrator, Jan Brett provides a wide variety of free animal images on her web site for this project.

We chose several animals from different books and printed them onto lightweight card stock. After carefully cutting along the edges [I also opted to cut out the eyes, so my children could peek through, but you don't have to], I laminated them and then used clear packing tape to attach each mask to an over-sized wooden craft stick [which you can find at most craft/hobby supply stores]. 

You do not need to laminate the masks, but I highly recommend it if you desire to play with them for awhile. If you do not have access to a laminating machine, you might consider using this process to protect your masks using clear packing tape. You could also punch holes on both sides of the mask and tie elastic string to the back, so your child can wear the mask.*

The animals we liked best were the:

monkey,

jaguar,

fox,

cat,

rabbit,

owl,

badger,

bear,

and mouse.

But there are so many more to choose from!

Jan offers many other free activities and printables on her site.  A few of my other favorites are her coloring murals, her coloring alphabets and alphabet tracers, and her matching animals game. There are LOTS of fun things to do...all available for free. If you have never visited her site, I recommend taking a minute or two to browse her pages; I'm sure you will find something you and your kids can enjoy together.

*[just be sure he/she has space to breathe and see to prevent injury]