Making art with our children and encouraging them to make art on their own might seem like it’s just a fun thing to do or a way to get our kids to do something that doesn’t involve a screen or electronic devices. And, yes, yes, it is fun, but art is also a great way to help our children develop their artistic and creative abilities, which will serve them well throughout life. Making art with kids might seem like its own reward, but it actually offers rewards that we don't even consider, but are important for our children's development.
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Like what? Well, it helps younger kids develop their fine motor skills, which they will need for handwriting, using scissors, and tying their shoelaces. It’s also a great way to introduce words and colors to children. Believe it or not, art can also help a children develop critical-thinking skills because they have to make choices and solve problems. You can also use art to share your culture and other cultures with your kids. And perhaps the most valuable skill that comes from using art to develop your child’s artistic side is that it helps them tap into and stay tapped into their imagination and inventiveness.
“The kind of people society needs to make it move forward are thinking, inventive people who seek new ways and improvements, not people who can only follow directions,” says arts educator and author MaryAnn Kohl. And now that we are all clear on how great art is for kids, you should also know that you don’t have to send them to art classes or get a professional to help them make art. The truth is that we are all artists, so here are some art projects you can make at home with your kids even if you don’t fancy yourself much of an artist.
Try drawing on black paper.
Kids usually get to draw on white paper, which makes drawing on black paper feel all kinds of adventurous. You can use pastel crayons or gel pens that show up on black. You could also use chalk or puff paint. It's all allowed and encouraged.
Create your own constellations.
This particular artist used an embroidery hoop and fabric as the canvas and it's wonderful, but you can use whatever you want as a canvas, even the aforementioned black paper. Have your children observe the night sky and replicate what they see or have them create their own constellations.
Can you believe these lovely leaves were painted in a salad spinner?
The caption included with this post reads:
When our small paint bottles are getting low and close to needing a refill, we bust out the salad spinners for some spin art. I prefer to refill all the bottles at once and this forces the kids to use paints they haven’t used in a while. Which is also why these leaves don’t look very fall colored.
Turn artwork into handmade cards.
You can have your kids decorate cardstock or use art they've already made to create cards. Why buy cards for gifts or special occasions when your artist in residence can just whip one up for you that is far more special than anything you can buy?
Before you recycle, reuse.
How clever is this flower art made from egg cartons? Not only is it pretty and utterly creative, it also reuses materials that you already have at home. Using egg cartons to make 3D flowers is brilliant!
Got rocks?
Painting rocks is fun. You can decorate them however you like. Paint pictures or designs on them. Or write words on them. You can then use them to decorate potted plants or place them around your yard.
Make artful plates.
Buying commemorative plates used to be a thing. You would see commercials on TV for these plates that you were supposed to proudly display on stands in your home or use them to decorate your walls. Why not commission some commemorative plates from your kids that you then display?
Create lanterns out of old jars.
This particular lantern was made using a jar, kite paper, and Mod Podge, but you can swipe the idea and decorate an empty jar using paint. It's a fun project for your child to make and leaves you with a totally usable lantern.
Decorate candles with leaves and twine.
This particular art project will require adult supervision because it involves a lighted tea candle that is used to heat a spoon to use to attach leaves to a candle. The results can end up looking like you bought the candle at a high-end boutique. Great for DIY gifting.
Make all kinds of things with perler beads.
In case you are unfamiliar, perler beads are small plastic beads that are hollow in the middle. They get arranged on a peg board and when the artist is done with the design, they are fused together with an iron and a piece of ironing, wax, or parchment paper to protect the iron. You can also string the perler beads together to make necklaces or bracelets.
What's in a name?
Kids tend to like using their name to make art. It's a great way to teach younger children to write their names and as they get older, they can make more elaborate art projects using their names as inspiration.
Use boxes to encourage thinking outside the box.
New parents quickly discover that children love to play with boxes. Sometimes they like boxes more than whatever kind of toy was in the shipping box. Before you recycle boxes, encourage your child to make something with them. You can provide them with an idea or just let their imaginations lead the way.
Make popsicle stick critters.
Popsicle sticks are great for making critters. Have your child make a few and then have them create a story around the critters that they can act out for you. Be sure to clap loudly and shout "Bravo!" after the performance.
Leaf it to nature.
Go for a walk with your child and collect leaves and twigs along the way. Once you are home, create art with the natural objects that you found on your walk. It's a reminder that art can be made with anything you like.
Create art inspired by holidays that are important to you.
This is a great way to discuss cultural traditions with your kids and explain to them why you celebrate certain holidays the way you do. It's also a great way to create new traditions with the kids.
