Art: Crayons and Markers
Paper Scrapers
Next time you and your child visit a new city, try this fun technique when out in the streets. You need paper, a paintbrush and a crayon, with paper removed. Have child select a texture he'd like to capture, such as a manhole cover or a plaque by a statue. Use the paintbrush to gently brush away any dirt and then have your child place the ...(read more)
Handprint Art
Here's a great idea for the next time you're looking for a creative gift. Paint your child's hand with fabric paint and apply to a clean t-shirt or apron. Write your child's name and the year in paint or permanent marker underneath the hand print. You can also create a shirt or apron with hands from more than one child -- siblings, cousins, or classmates.(read more)
Crayon Resist Paintings
Have your child draw a picture with crayons, pressing down firmly to leave a heavy coating of crayon. Light colored crayons work best. Then have your child paint over the crayon drawing with watercolor paint. It's better to use a darker color of paint and lots of water so the paint is not too thick. (Tip: Don't let your child put too much paint on ...(read more)
Mirror Image Drawing
My daughter's Kindergarten class did this as an activity last year and the pictures came out gorgeous! Find in a magazine a full page 8 1/2 x 11 picture of an animal, if possible just of the face. Fold or cut the picture in half vertically. Tape or glue the half picture to a thick piece of paper, drawing or painting quality, if possible. Have your child ...(read more)
Playing Footsies
Every six months, trace your child's foot to see how much his or her feet have grown. As your child grows older, he or she will have fun painting the toe nails, drawing happy faces on each toe, or just being creative. This is a fun art project for the kids, and you can turn the drawings into a nice keepsake for you.(read more)
Mixed-Up People
This is a drawing activity for at least two, and up to three people. Take a piece of paper and fold it in thirds; try to be as exact as possible. On the first third of the paper, draw the head of a pet, an animal or a person. Then, switch papers and then each of you draw the body of a pet, animal or person, then switch one last ...(read more)
Drawing Portraits
Too often, when our little ones ask us to draw a picture of them, we resort to the quick stick figure. As an alternative, a fun activity can be to sit opposite your little one as you each draw a picture of the other. Your child will bask in the attention, and it is a nice chance to study his or her adorable little face.(read more)
Mural Mania
By just using big pieces of chart paper or butcher paper, drawing becomes a new, exciting activity. Pick a theme- a park, city block, or zoo and create a mural on a huge sheet of paper. Lasts for hours- brainstorm all the things that could go in the mural first and then start creating.(read more)
Annual Self Portrait
This simple arts and craft activity is not only fun for your child but also provides you with a keepsake. Put out some art supplies such as crayons and markers and a sheet of white paper, and ask your child to draw a picture of herself. When she's done, make a note of the date and your child's age on the back. Have her do this periodically, ...(read more)
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A Great Book Rhymes!
Kids are a funny bunch. They are often loath to change and anything new. But still, our little ones are open to so much -- and so much more than we more ossified parents are! Think of poetry: preschoolers happily read and repeat poems with ease and
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