For early childhood educators, daycare providers, and preschool teachers, it is critical that curriculum includes a variety of engaging creative art activities. Creative arts activities are important for toddlers and preschool aged children because it allow them to express themselves, and enhances development in a variety of other developmental areas such as literacy, science, math, and social studies.
First Art: Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos
First Art: Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos by MaryAnn F. Kohl, Renee F. Ramsey, and Dana Bowman [Gryphon House, 2002] is an outstanding resource for creative art activities for children ranging in ages from 1 to 3. The lesson plans come in a variety of categories with fun chapter titles such as “Hands on Dough” and “Primarily Paint” and “Sticky Business”.
Many of the activities include practical tips and adaptations to provide a more successful creative arts experience. For each activity, Kohl provides a list of materials required and preparation recommendations for adults and teachers. Each activity also provides a description of the processes and techniques the experience will provide. As a bonus, Kohl includes animated drawings and real stories of children doing creative art activities. This resource book is a definite must-have for early childhood educators.
Creative Activities for Young Children
Creative Activities for Young Children by Mary Mayesky [Wadsworth Publishing, 2008] is a handy and thoughtful resource with easy-to-implement, developmentally appropriate art activities as clear instructions about how to plan and implement these activities. Mayesky shows educators how to provide creative environments and how to properly implement a creative arts program.
Mayesky provides early childhood educators with the tools needed to foster creative development and aesthetics in young children. Activities and lesson plans include dramatic play, puppetry, creative movement, and creative music, as well as creative language, science, math, social studies, health, and food activities. This resources includes color photos and sidebar charts.
The Little Hands Big Fun Craft Book
Another highly recommended creative arts resource is The Little Hands Big Fun Craft Book: Creative Fun for 2- To 6-Year-Olds by Judy Press and Loretta Trezzo Braren [Williamson Publishing Company, 1995] which features over 70 craft experiences for kids ages 2 to 6.
Press provides a very simple materials list and minimal instructions so that children can engage in spontaneity in materials usage. This highly versatile guide book is easy to use with a variety of age groups. For each activity there are related craft ideas to expand upon the theme. The illustrations are minimalist, yet charming.
Art for the Very Young: Ages 3 to 6
With over 50 fun and educational creative art activities, Art for the Very Young by Elizabeth Kelly and Joanne Mcconville [Instructional Fair, 1999] is a wonderful resource for lessons about the elements of art such as line, color, shape, clay molding, texture, composition. The book is notable for its ability to foster in young children appreciation for artists and its focus on the process of art rather than the outcome. Kelly and Mcconville also include interesting vignettes about artists.
Whether an educator is just starting out or well experienced, he or she can never have too many activity ideas. Add some (or all) of these books to the daycare library and reach for it when a fresh idea is needed. For more curriculum ideas, see Circle Time Activities for Daycare.
Carla Snuggs - As a writer for Suite101.com since 2005, it is a privilege to continue on as theTopic Editor for the subject of Day Care. I received a ...
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