Favorite Art Ideas for the Jataka Tales Block

The Jataka Tales block is a favorite topic for 2nd grade in Waldorf education. Let me know if you have other ideas to share!

container story (optional):
I Once Was a Monkey: Stories Buddha Told by Jeanne M. Lee

idea: scratch art (eyes in the dark)
notes are here
Bristol board, oil pastels, black acrylic paint, foam brush, stylus

"The Deceitful Heron"

source: I Once Was a Monkey

idea: fish printing
notes are here
newsprint, cafeteria tray, rubber fish, acrylic ink, foam brush



the metallic acrylic inks are so beautiful for fish: silver moss... birdwing copper... moon violet... waterfall green...

"The Monkey and the Crocodile"

source: I Once Was a Monkey

idea: watercolor still life (figs)
notes are here
fresh figs, camera, photo paper (or have the photo printed), light table, watercolor paper, water-soluble oil pastels, black Sharpie

"The Flight of the Beasts"

source: I Once Was a Monkey

idea: potato printing
notes are here
drawing paper, colored pencils, potatoes, cutting board, knife, ink pad

I recommend only drawing the rabbit, as the other animals are too difficult for this age
Live Education! drawing lesson - Three Archetypal Forms
Live Education! drawing lesson - rabbit (three eggs)

to spell EARTHQUAKE, you need the letters A, E, H, K, Q, R, T, U

""Three Friends in a Forest"

source: I Once Was a Monkey

idea: cut paper collage (turtle)
notes are here
drawing paper, variety of scrapbooking papers, scissors, glue

"The Black Bull"

source: Buddha Stories by Demi


idea: wine cork stamping (gold coins)
notes are here
watercolor paper, wine corks in various sizes, gold acrylic paint, metallic gold liquid watercolor paint, small dish

"The Golden Goose"

source: Buddha Stories by Demi

idea: colored pencil drawing (gold feather)
notes are here
gold colored pencil, metallic gold liquid watercolor paint, "Nightshift" indigo cardstock

"The Brave Little Parrot"

source: The Brave Little Parrot by Rafe Martin


idea: collage of raindrops (cut from cardstock) falling on fire scene (water-soluble oil pastels)


you could also use this punch, available in 3/8 inch or 5/8 inch

"The Magic Plum Tree"

source: The Magic Plum Tree by Freya Littledale


idea: bundled Q-tip trees (four seasons)
notes are here
acrylic paint, paintbrush, paper plates, cotton swabs, rubber band, white cardstock, blue pastel cardstock for the Winter tree

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