Creating art with your preschooler doesn’t have to be a difficult task. In fact, many preschool art projects are simple to make and can be created from items you likely already have somewhere in your house. Preschoolers like to experiment with colors and design. Since preschoolers are process-oriented, they enjoy the process of creating art and aren’t as concerned with the final product.
Shaving Cream Art
Creating shaving cream art is a popular and easy art activity for preschoolers. Painting with shaving cream will allow your preschooler to experience painting with a different texture than he is used to. Dressing your preschooler in a smock or one of his dad’s old button down dress shirts and placing newspaper on your table can help to prevent a mess. By mixing shaving cream with food coloring or washable and non-toxic liquid paint, you can create several colors for your preschooler to paint with. Your preschooler can paint using his hands, paintbrushes or pieces of cut-up sponge. If the weather is nice and you can do the project outdoors, he can even explore painting with his feet.
Straw Sculptures
With a box of bendable straws, an assortment of paperclips and some tape, your preschooler can create straw sculptures. Cutting the straws into different lengths will increase the possibilities of what your preschooler can create. Blunt-tip children’s scissors are age-appropriate for preschoolers. While the straws can be taped together, cutting slits into the ends of some of the straws will provide an additional way for the straws to be joined together. Your preschooler may need your assistance with cutting these slits. Bending the paperclips into “S” and “U” shapes and inserting each end of the paperclip into a straw will allow your preschooler to create a statue that has angled joints. If your preschooler would like a base for his statute, a piece of cardboard can be used.
Coloring
Endless works of art can be created with a box of crayons and a stack of paper. With these simple supplies, your preschooler can engage in free-form or directed art. Using her creativity to draw or color whatever she wants, is free-form art. Drawing or coloring something that you specifically asked her to, like a picture of your family or a picture of her favorite toy, is directed art. While your preschooler may not be concerned or impressed with her final art project, if you are, consider placing it in a frame and displaying it on your wall.
