Making Art with Young Children at Home
Activities for Kids & Parents Using Art Materials in Creative Play
Dec 29, 2008
Making time and space for kids to freely explore art materials can contribute to their creativity and sense of worth. It is a time when parents and children can discover the language of art as a means of self-expression that can easily be shared. These activities for parents and kids are fun to do at home.
Why is it Important for Children to Make Art
Childhood is a time of exploration. It is a time for children to find out about themselves and the world, and to begin to take risks in a safe environment. It is a time for children to be encouraged to express themselves in a constructive and creative way...a time for children to explore the language of art when verbal language skills may be limited.
One way to encourage self-expression in children, is to use art materials. Self-expression through manipulation of materials engages children in ways that allow children to take risks that can enhance self-esteem by learning how to manipulate materials.
Kids Creative Learning Activities
Spending time making art with children is a way for parents to be in the moment with children…to once again be open to discovering what happens when red paint runs into yellow paint, or when a glob of clay squishes through the fingers when squeezed.
Parents do not have to be artists to provide the materials and the setting for young children to explore the facets of art making. What is required is a little planning, and a lot of patience to allow children the time to learn about the qualities of the materials they're using by being permitted to engage in creative play.
Parents who are able to take on the same mind-set of children and be open to discovery, will find playful joy in accompanying their young children on this journey.
How To Get Started
In order for everyone involved to enjoy the experience, make sure to work in a space that is easy to clean. If there is adequate room, an art area can be created in the kitchen, play room, or basement. Work in a space that is not going to be ruined by spills and splashes.
- Set up work area in hard surface areas like the kitchen that can be easily cleaned, and avoid carpeted areas where worrying about spills and splashes deters exploration.
- Work on the floor or on a child-size table.
- Put down a drop cloth.
- Wear clothes that are easily washed, and wear a big shirt or T-shirt over clothing.
- Lead children through the manipulation by doing as well as talking.
- Guide children in how to use the materials without judgment.
- If painting, use large paper that allows children to make big movements using large brushes.
What Kind of Art Materials to Use for Art Activities
Art activities with kids does not have to be expensive. Even painting on newspaper in the beginning will allow children to experiment with how the paint flows onto the paper. [NOTE: Be sure to use non-toxic, water soluble paints, and remember that tempera paint may leave a stain even though it washes out.]
- Finger paints are a good way to start with young children.
- Tempera paints are also easy to use with older pre-schoolers.
- Watercolor paints in hard form can be used when there is less time or limited space.
- Clay and play dough are good beginning sculpting materials.
- Colored construction paper can be used for ripping and pasting as well as colorful magazine pages.
- Large size crayons are good for beginning drawing using large paper.
- Large chalk can be used on sidewalks and outdoor patios.
Giving children the opportunity to work with art materials with parental participation can contribute to creativity and to the bond formed with the parent in this journey of discovery and creative play. Allowing children the freedom to explore the art materials in a safely structured environment can increase their self-esteem, imagination and self-expression.
Resource:
Silberstein-Storfer, Muriel with Jones, Mablen. Doing Art Together: The Remarkable Parent-Child Workshop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1982.
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