Introducing Young Children to Art

Interested in giving your little one an early start at art appreciation? Well you've come to the right place! You don't have to be an expert, a teacher or even an art connoisseur to introduce your child to the world of art. Heck you don't even have to go to a museum if you don't want to (although I really think you should sometime!)

Here are a few easy ways for you and your wee one to enjoy art together...

paper pumpkins

It's 90 degrees here today and it definitely doesn't feel like Fall. However, I'm not going to let that stop me from making some more Fall crafts, like these paper pumpkins! Here's to wishing for crisper air, sweaters and apple cider.

animal silhouettes

I've been sticking to the basics the last few weeks, allowing the kids to explore and create while learning about primary colors, patterns and now shapes. This week, we're going to learn about geometric shapes and shapes found in nature. 

Let's begin by creating collages using animal shapes. To really emphasize the shape, over the finer details, I chose to use silhouettes of animals versus real pictures. 

top image found at: www.123rf.com

stamping, patterns and creative kids

Wednesday is often our light activity day. This is usually the day when the play dough comes out or we work on something that's not terribly involving because the kids have additional afternoon activities to choose from. 

Keeping it simple, we used bingo markers and miscellaneous objects to stamp patterns on to long strips of paper (hello left overs from the paper chain project!). Afterward we turned our creations into bookmarks and some of the girls got creative and made belts and bracelets. 

about the artist

Today is the first day for all the new and returning children at my school. It's a bit sad to say good bye to the summer. I'm going to miss my afternoons lounging around, going to the park, reading a book and making crafts with Max. But I'm also very excited to see all the new little faces and give big hugs to the returning kids!

To begin our year we're going to start with on a biographical note. Each child is going to make their own self portrait and (with some help) we're going to write a little bit about them. At the end of the year we're going to do the same activity and compare the two! 

Here is a self portrait sheet that you can print out if you feel so inclined: about the artist

friendly fish

Colorful fish to brighten up your day!

molecular necklaces

 In honor of the East Bay Mini-Maker Faire that's coming in October (yes, I know October is kinda far away, but I was inspired), I started making science oriented crafts. Here are some H2O necklaces made from beads and straw.

paper flower tree

We made paper flowers and tied them to branches we found on a nature walk to make a cool display. 

coffee filter flowers (updated)

Yet another thing you can do with coffee filters.

still life with preschoolers

 In a still life painting everyday, ordinary things become the prominent feature. A still life can feature any inanimate object. Sometimes you'll see natural objects like fruit and feathers or artificial objects like vases and jars.

While painting flowers and fruit can be a bit difficult for young children, you can help your child make their own still life with simple food made stamps...

tie-dye butterflies

What to do with all those coffee filters now that there's a Starbucks next to your house.