The overriding theme in a textured starfish craft is the actual texture itself. Make this a truly sensory experience for your preschoolers and use a variety of textured materials. These can be craft materials that you purchase through a school or art supply company such as craft sand, corrugated paper, paint, tissue paper, modeling clay, felt, foam sheets, glitter or sequins. Another option is to use household items of recycled materials such as fabric scraps, cardboard boxes or plastic bottle caps. All items should be nontoxic and safe for use with children under the age of 6 years.
Before beginning the actual craft it is important that the preschoolers understand both the concept of texture and what a starfish is. Start with a simple discussion for each topic. Preschoolers are notorious for their short attention spans, so splitting the discussion into two days or times may be helpful. Talk about different textures and the way that things feel to the touch. If possible, give the kids different materials and ask them to describe what their textures are. Add in a book reading activity with titles such as "Spiky, Slimy, Smooth: What is Texture?" by Jane Brocket or Dorothy Kunhardt's "Pat the Bunny." At a separate time, initiate a discussion on starfish. Show photos of these sea creatures or a dried example that the kids can handle.
Create a flat, or fairly two-dimensional, craft to start your preschoolers on their road to learning about this textured sea creature. Use a pre-printed starfish template from a crafting site such as Free Kid Crafts or make your own with a star stencil on construction paper or card stock. Provide the preschoolers with an array of textured materials to choose from and clear drying, nontoxic glue. Try colored craft sand, cut craft foam, sequins, glitter or torn and balled tissue paper. Use a variety of colors to add a special touch to this ocean-themed craft.
Make a starfish model complete with a variety of textures, patterns and colors. Help your preschoolers to learn about the three-dimensional form by modeling clay or play dough starfish. Use a star template or cookie cutter to give the model shape. Coat the star with a brush of glue and add a sprinkle of colorful craft sand for a basic ocean texture. For even more sensory fun, make a sculptural collage with fabrics, craft foam and tissue on top of the fish. Another easy option is to add sparkling sequins and glitter with glue. This will create a rough texture while giving the project a true shine.