Sponge Print Peace Dove

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist and preacher

The dove has long been a symbol of peace and unity in many cultures. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we’ll make a peace dove decorated with colorful sponge prints.

What We’re Learning & Skills We’re Building

• Creativity – using your imagination to make something original and unique 
• Fine motor skills – using the small muscles in the hands to grip a small sponge 
• Color mixing – mixing two or more colors together to create a new color
• Cultural symbolism – learning that a dove is often used as a symbol for peace

Materials

• 8½“ x 11” Cardstock sheet 
• Child-safe scissors
• Nontoxic, washable tempera paint or poster paint 
• Plate, bowls, or cups for paint 
• Kitchen sponge cut into smaller shapes 

Optional Materials 

• Dove template 
• Pencil, marker, or crayon 
• Feathers, googly eyes, and school glue
• Hole punch
• Yarn or string

Creating & Decorating the Peace Dove 

1. (Optional) Print out the dove template on a piece of cardstock. Or, draw your own dove on cardstock without using the template. 
2. Carefully cut out the dove. (For younger children, it might be easiest to cut out the outline of the dove after they’ve decorated it.) 
3. Cut the sponge into smaller shapes (rectangles, squares, circles, or hearts). 
4. Add the paint to small plates, bowls, or cups. Dip the sponge shapes into the paint and then stamp them onto the peace dove to create textured patterns. Let the paint dry (this could take a couple of hours). 
5. (Optional) Once the dove is dry, your child can add more details with a marker or a crayon, or they can glue on feathers and eyes.  
6. (Optional) Create a peace dove ornament by punching a hole near the top of the dove, then tying yarn or string through it for hanging.