Monday, December 29, 2008

Preschool Art

Art is very important for preschoolers. A Montessori classroom would have art supplies available for the children at all times. While I think this is ideal in a home setting with certain children this will not work.

I tried to have lots of art supplies available for my daughter but it only resulted in a huge mess. Markers leaked on the floor, paint randomly on the wall or chairs, and play-do EVERYWHERE! So I had no choice but to put the art supplies out of reach for a while.

I still had my art trays but I put them in a closet with a lock. When it was time for art I wold simply take the trays out so she had a choice of what she wanted to use but it was under supervision.

If your child is mature enough to use the art supplies correctly by all means set up an art corner with art trays! Here are a few ideas for your preschoolers art corner:

*An Easel with washable paint and a smock
*A tray with play-do or beeswax with cookie cutters and other play-do tools
*A tray with paper and crayons,markers, colored pencils
*Child sized safety scissors and paper to practice cutting

Also hang art (at the child eye level) by famous artists along with art your child created.

Here are some fun art must haves for your preschooler:









Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Winter Fun!


We did a fun and messy activity today with snow.

Take some snow from outside and place it in a bowl. Have your child add a few drops of food coloring (put newspaper on the table first). Let the child add another color of food coloring. Mix it up to reveal what the 2 mixes colors make! Be sure to use old gloves or plastic bags to mix the colors together.