Arts and Crafts for Preschoolers
There is no better age to introduce your child to art than during the preschool years. Arts and crafts for preschoolers are fun and rewarding for you and your child. You can get involved and help your child create fun crafts, or you can provide them the materials and let them have total creative control. You’ll find that your child is likely to have a preference when it comes to art materials. Some kids love modeling clay, while others prefer paint. Offer plenty of choices to your preschooler and encourage them to use their creativity.
One of the most enjoyable projects for toddlers to do is finger painting. Little ones love dipping their fingers into bright, thick fingerpaint and making abstract designs on large pieces of posterboard. Another fun idea is to give your child painting materials to create a variety of different shapes and textures. Provide them with sponges, feathers, brushes, even potatoes that have been cut in half and carved as a makeshift stamp. Your child will love seeing the different effects he or she can make using different materials.
What would the preschool years be without Play-Doh? This non-toxic modeling dough is classic, but instead of buying it why not try to make your own? While you’ll need to do the cooking part, your child can help add ingredients and knead the dough. The recipe consists of one cup of flour, a pinch of salt, two teaspoons of cream of tartar, one cup water, two teaspoons vegetable oil and a few drops of food coloring.
An alternative to the food coloring is a packet of Kool-Aid, which adds color and scent to the dough. Cook the ingredients over medium heat until a thick dough is formed. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Then, have your child knead the dough until it reaches a nice smooth consistency. Store in an airtight container to keep your homemade dough from drying out.
More ideas for arts and crafts for preschoolers can be found online and in books. The Arts and Crafts Busy Book by Trish Kuffner and Bruce Lansky features 365 fun activities to keep your child busy and creative every day of the year. Check with your local library or bookstore for more preschool age arts and crafts books. Or, try searching online and printing out instructions yourself. Printable coloring pages are a fun project you can find online to keep your little one busy for awhile!
