Eight Tips for a Happy First Art Experience
by MaryAnn F. Kohl3/24/2009 5:22:18 PM
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Toddlers explore art as a learning experience, an experiment, and an activity of discovery that is simulating and interesting. They are more interested in the process of doing art than the resulting finished product. But, sadly for parents, it can also be a messy process. So here are some tips to keep kids and parents clean, safe, and happy while creating art.
Toddlers usually work most comfortably painting while standing or kneeling.1. Cover the workspace, whether is it a table, floor, chair, wall, or countertop, with newspaper. Tape it down to prevent wiggles and spills. It's much easier to bunch up sheets of sticky newspaper and find a clean space underneath than to clean up uncovered workspaces time and again. Other recommended alternative workspace coverings are flat sheets of cardboard, an old shower curtain, a plastic or vinyl tablecloth, wide butcher paper, or roll ends of newsprint from the local newspaper print shop.
2. Make clean up for toddlers easy! Place a wet sponge, a folded wet towel, or pads of damp paper towels next to the art project so toddlers can wipe fingers as needed. A bucket of soapy water near the work table also substitutes for a sink across the room.
3. The ultimate successful cover-up suggestion for toddlers is to wear clothes that are worn for art purposes only. Art clothes might consist of a slip-on T-shirt, easy pull-on pants, and old Velcro-style sneakers, all of which are quick to put on and take off. In these outfits, toddlers and adults can then enjoy art activities without worrying about clothing stains and spills.
4. Toddlers usually work most comfortably painting while standing or kneeling. If sitting, their feet should touch the floor to give them better balance and comfort.
5. Consider protecting a larger circle of space around the workspace for stray splatters, like floors, walls, and carpets with more cover materials (newspaper, cardboard, etc.).
6. It's never too late to start collecting recyclables for art. Save collage materials, fabric and paper scraps, Styrofoam grocery trays, yarn, sewing trims, junk mail, sticks and pebbles. Use heavy plastic storage bags, shoe boxes, or any old containers for storage.
7. Once is never enough for most toddlers! Repeat activities over and over, and allow toddlers to make one or many art projects. Have plenty of paper and supplies on hand for multiple art experiences. The more they create, the more they learn.
8. Safety with toddlers should be of prime concern at all times. Never leave a toddler unattended. All toddler art activities require attentive supervision and care. If working with smaller objects for collage or sorting, always sit one-on-one with the toddler to supervise closely. Be especially cognizant of objects that are small enough to be swallowed or pointy objects that can poke, and remember to use only art supplies that are labeled non-toxic.