Crafts, Playtime, Rainy Day Fun
Sand Creations
Objective: Help children learn the properties of different materials, identify colors and shapes, observe cause and effect, and express feeling.
    Materials:
  • Construction paper cut into shapes
  • Various colors of sand
  • Paint Brushes
  • Glue
Paint a coat of glue onto the shape. Sprinkle with colored sand on to the glue-coated shapes and shake off. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

Tip: Paint a coat of glue on one section at a time, let dry and then paint another section.

Source: www.earlychildhood.com

 
Pipe Cleaner Sculpture
Objective: Stimulate creativity and special awareness.
    Materials:
  • Flat sheet of styrofoam
  • Pipe cleaners– various lengths and widths
  • Beads– various sizes, hole sizes, and colors
  • Anything else with a hole like straws, pasta…
Lay supplies out on table or workbench. Show the children that the pipe cleaners will stick in the styrofoam. Then they can slike beads, straws, pasts or whatever else you can find onto the pipe cleaners.

Source: www.kinderart.com

 
Kids Play Clay
    Ingredients:
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • Food Coloring
In a medium saucepan, mix salt and 1/3 cup water over medium heat, stirring occasionally (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat; add corn starch and 1/4 cup cold water. Add a few drops of food coloring, if desired. The mixture will resemble mashed potatoes. Stir until it thickens, cool, then knead on a board or countertop that has been lightly dusted with cornstarch. Store unused play clay in a refrigerator in a sealed container with a damp sponge.
 
Paper Mâché Paste
    Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar
In a bowl, combine the flour and cold water. Add to the saucepan of boiling water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Let cool. It’s ready to use when thick!
 
Infant and Toddler Ideas
    Art activities that help infants develop:
  • Emotionally:
    Stroke a piece of soft satin or fluffy stuffed animal across an infants cheek, talk about how soft and fluffy it feels. Allow the infant to freely explore edible materials like pudding or yogurt.
  • Socially:
    As infants play together, talk about the way they look, the colors of their clothes, their favorite toys, and so on. Provide a large sheet of butcher paper for infants to crumble, shake, and explore.
    Art activities that help toddlers develop:
  • Emotionally:
    Tape butcher paper to the table so they can scribble, rub, and paint without being frustrated by the paper moving around. Plan age appropriate activities. Show them how to tear paper for a collage.
  • Socially:
    Provide opportunities for toddlers to draw and paint everyday. Set up a two sided easel so toddlers don’t have to share.
 
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