Let’s Get Crafting: 5 Low Key Art Activities

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Parents! Art fosters children’s creativity and imagination.  When children engage in art activities at a young age, they develop fine motor skills through the manipulation of tools like crayons and paintbrushes. It also provides a platform for self-expression, allowing children to convey their thoughts and emotions in a non-verbal way.  All of this when done with someone they love creates a foundation of love and memories that will be used for a lifetime.

Nature Collage

Go Outside! Create a nature collage using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials. This project connects children with nature and encourages them to explore textures and patterns.  It is great for children who struggle to sit still or don’t know what to do when given a blank paper.

    • Materials: Paper, glue, leaves, flowers, twigs
      • Steps:  Take the children on a nature walk to collect materials.  Next, Arrange the materials on paper to create a collage. Finally, Glue the items in place and let them dry.

Need Ideas: Outdoor Nature Craft for Toddlers

Handprint Art

Handprint art is a fun and personal project that helps children learn about shapes and their own bodies. It also makes for a memorable keepsake.  Think about making some for an upcoming holiday and turning it into a family tradition to add to each year.

  • Materials: Paint, paper, brushes
    • Steps: Paint the child’s hand with a brush. Next, Press the painted hand onto the paper. Finally, Decorate the handprint with additional details to create animals, flowers, or other imaginative designs.

Need Ideas: 53 Fun Handprint Crafts

Recycled Art Sculpture

Get everyone involved saving various recycled materials to create sculptures teaches children about sustainability and resourcefulness. This project also encourages creativity and problem-solving.

  • Materials: Recycled items (bottles, cardboard, caps), glue, tape, paint
    • Steps: Collect various recycled materials. Next, Plan and design a sculpture using the materials. Then assemble and secure the pieces with glue or tape. And finally, paint and decorate the sculpture.

Need Ideas: 30 Easy Recycled Crafts

Paper Plate Masks

Creating masks from paper plates allows children to explore characters and storytelling. This project enhances creativity and fine motor skills.

  • Materials: Paper plates, markers, paint, yarn, glue, scissors
    • Steps: First cut out eye holes in the paper plate. Next, Decorate the plate with markers, paint, and other craft materials. Finally, attach yarn to the sides to create a wearable mask.

Need Ideas: Paper Plate Crafts

String Art

String art involves wrapping string around nails or pegs to create geometric patterns. It’s a great way to teach children about shapes, patterns, and fine motor control.

  • Materials: Cardboard, push pins or nails, string or yarn
    • Steps: First, Draw a simple design on the cardboard. Next, Place push pins or nails along the outline of the design. Finally, wrap string around the pins to create a pattern.

Need Ideas: Cardboard Heart String Art

 

Incorporating art into early childhood education provides numerous benefits, from enhancing fine motor skills to fostering creativity and emotional expression. By engaging in art projects, children develop important cognitive, social, and emotional skills that support their overall development. Whether at home or in a daycare setting, these art activities can provide a rich and rewarding experience for young learners.