Set up a table with paper, felt, tissue or other materials of varying colors. Children might want to use gray construction paper to make an elephant, or white and red felt to make a chicken. Have plenty of both in supply and put a few pairs of safety scissors on the table. You might include some plain white paper and pencils for children to draw patterns before they begin cutting. It is best to have adult supervision at a cutting table.
No matter what materials are being used to make an animal, glue can come in handy. At this table, children should be able to put the different-colored paper and material they have cut out together. Have both white school glue and glue sticks available. White glue works best for gluing felt to paper, while glue sticks are fine for gluing two pieces of paper together. Have other materials on hand for children to add character to their animals. Sparkles, ribbons, pipe cleaners and especially googly eyes work best. You should also have a large stack of paper towels. These can be used both for clean up and as disposable palettes for white glue.
Set up a table with a wide variety of colored markers, pencils and crayons. Children will want to use this station for adding details to their crafts. Things like fish scales, feathers and whiskers are difficult to represent with paper or felt. Have an adult or two on hand to help with drawing and coloring as detail can be difficult for children.
Have a separate table where children can put the finishing touches on their animal art. Put out different colors of squeeze bottles filled with child-friendly paint. Have paper plates available as palettes and paint brushes, along with plastic cups of water for soaking brushes. Have adults on hand to help children mix colors as they decide what to paint on their art. You should also set up a string with clothes hangers from which you can hang art to let the paint dry.