Art ideas for children?

Question

does anyone have any good easter/spring art ideas for children? i work in a childcare facility with 3-year-olds and i dont really have any ideas for something thats fun and easy, and can keep their attention!

thank you!

Answer 1

you can have them press flowers then make a big collage.  

first they'd go outside and pick flowers (weeds and grass work surprising well).  press them in the microwave (them in between a plate and a bowl) and then have them glue them to a huge sheet of paper (cheap brown packaging paper or whatever will do)  so long as it's big enough for groups of them to work it at the same time.  and maybe fill in the blanks with crayon pictures of what easter means to them (as they're three, it will just be a lot of scribbles).  hilarity and chaos will insue, but it'll keep them entertained.  the end result usually ends of looking rather nice. they can take pictures next to it, but don't have to take anything home to thier parents (which is always nice for parents)

*edit* you can also make the paper itself a cutout of an easter bunny or flower or something

Answer 2

So many ideas--but here are a few :-)

PAINTING WITH "PEEPS"...

Cut out large "chick shapes" from white paper. Put tempera paint (white, yellow, orange, black) in containers and then use REAL candy "Peeps" to apply the paint---in a sponge like effect. The head makes a good grip for the bottom when the chick's bottom is dipped in paint...

Extra fun! Have "Peeps" for snacks, too! If you're concerned about younger children taking a bite

during the painting, you can use VANILLA PUDDING with food coloring to paint!

GLOSSY EGG DECORATIONS

Trace and cut out an Egg pattern template onto white construction paper. In four separate bowls divide a can of condensed milk; add a few drops of food coloring in each bowl---One color per bowl. Paint the eggs with the condensed milk paint. Let dry.

When dry the Eggs will have a glossy appearance. Use the eggs to decorate the room.

FOOT FLOWERS

You Need: Paint, Paper

Paint the bottom of the children's feet and have them put it down on paper. They can then add a stem and leaves... and decorate as they choose.

Be sure to keep water and rags/paper towel nearby

Make a RAINBOW CRAYON…

Hold three crayons together so their tips are flush against a table top.

Tape the crayons together to make a Rainbow Crayon. Make several of these. Children can use the crayons to draw rainbows or whatever

BREAD PAINTING SNACK AND ART...

Ingredients: Bread, milk, food coloring, cinnamon sugar, butter –small paper cups, thin brushes or cotton-tipped swabs. Mix “paint by combining food coloring with milk. Paint designs on one side—IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SPRINGTIME...TRY A RAINBOW, FLOWERS, SUN, etc.... When changing colors be sure to remind kids to use different brush or swab. When complete-toast in toaster on light or under broiler. Can eat as is----or while still hot butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.

How about painting with a SCRATCH & SNIFF PAINT RECIPE?

Mix flavored gelatin or Kool-aid package into half the water suggested in the package directions. Paint with the scented mixture and let dry. You will have a scratch and sniff painting...

OR…

Paint with EDIBLE YOGURT FINGER PAINT…

Use plain yogurt and mix with a few drops of food coloring. Non-toxic and can be kept/restored in fridge using the yogurt container. It dries shiny and with texture.



Paint Recipes are:

http://www.after-school-care.com/Replies...

Easter Thread:

http://www.after-school-care.com/Replies...

Answer 3

mix shaving cream, a little bit of glue, and a little bit of paint and you have instant puffy paint they could put on a large cut out egg.

glue easter grass to a cut out basket

glue jelly beans on a piece of paper

make bunny ears for them to wear on their head

or go to this website :-)

http://www.preschooleducation.com/aeaste...

Have fun!

Answer 4

I can add that the shaving cream, glue, paint in squeeze bottles are very successful.  We did green last year with the shape of a shamrock.  They take a little bit of time to dry.

I'm not big on holiday arts/crafts but we did something at the playgroup this evening that I hadn't done before.  We painted with large marshmallows.  How about using white paint on bunny ears and attach to a construction paper strip head band.

Cut out an outline of an egg and place onto contact paper. Provide pastel tissue paper squares and have them stick it to the contact paper.  Add second egg outline and cover with another piece of contact paper.  Somewhat like a sun-catcher effect.  I've done this with apple.  

Think spring and pastel colors.  How about just some open easel painting (or paper on wall if you do not have an easel) with different brushes and basic colors and white paint?

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Answer 5

My class painted pastel Easter eggs this week. Each child had an egg shape poster board cut out and then painted it with a mixture of white Karo syrup and food coloring. Older children could cut out their own egg shape. When it dries it is very shiny. It is a very sticky project so put paper on the tables before painting and wear paint smocks. This can also be done with so many other shapes such as butterflies and flowers. The more colors the children use and the more surface that is painted the prettier it is. We are letting this dry for a few days before sending it home. If the paint is applied too thick it can take a very long time to dry.