mrrichiecreates.com
LITTLE LESSON 17 · PRESCHOOL · TK · EARLY K
What Is Hiding in My Lunchbox?
Allow extra drying time for paint or glue. Children can pause and return.
Elements of Art focus: Shape. Choose shapes for a surprise hidden behind a flap. Meet the seven art ideas →
Let’s wonder!
“This lunchbox looks ordinary. Open the flap—what could be inside?”
Our little purpose: Make a flap that hides and reveals an invented lunchbox picture.
Gather a little magic
Paper, a marker, and crayons.
For your grown-up: Draw the hidden food only in the area the flap covers. No food is needed for this paper activity.
Make it yours
Wonder together · 2–3 min Try & make · 12–20 min Share & tidy · 3–6 min
- Fold one side of your paper inward to make a flap. A grown-up can help crease it.
- Draw the outside of a lunchbox on the closed flap. Choose a handle, pattern, or face.
- Open it and draw the hidden foods beneath. Invent a rainbow sandwich, familiar favorites, or something completely imaginary.
- Close the flap and offer a clue. Open it to reveal the surprise.
“I’ll show you how I did mine. Yours doesn’t have to look like mine.”
Look what you discovered
Ask: “What did you choose? What changed? What would you try next?”
Notice: The child coordinates the closed outside with a hidden inside or offers a clue.
Listen, watch, or accept pointing and home-language responses. Notice the process, not resemblance to an example.
Every idea belongs
A little support: Pre-fold the flap; allow collage pieces instead of drawing.
A little more: Invite a visual or spoken clue before revealing the picture.
No supplies today? The child can make choices, predict, and direct a grown-up.
The learning underneath
California Preschool/TK Learning Foundations · Visual Arts: 1.9, 1.3. Kindergarten bridge · California Arts Standards: K.VA:Cr1.1.
These are planning connections selected for this activity, not a claim of mastery or state endorsement. The kindergarten code is an extension, not a preschool requirement. Read the code key and official California sources →
PLAY THIS ART ADVENTURE · 17
A Lunchbox of Surprises
Choose shapes for a surprise hidden behind a flap.
Art ideas: Shape. One playful connection to this project.
Find this resource again: mrrichiecreates.com/lessons/surprise-lunchbox