Art: Exposure and participation in art activities helps develop creativity, visual-spatial skills, motor skills, and sensory exposure for kids.

Activity / Movement / Other Skills
Painting
This can be a messy activity so here are some suggestions to help:
·  Gather supplies before you begin: paint, paper, painting supplies (brushes, sponges, utensils)
·  Plan ahead for clean up: include an old towel, wet washcloth, and paper towels.
·  Use washable paint; add a squirt of liquid soap
·  Everyone wears old clothes!
·  Choose an area that is easy to clean (eg: not on carpet); consider an old shower curtain/sheet/towel. / For sitting balance and/or controlling arm movements:
·  paint while supported in a good chair or on a low bench
·  use a 3-ring binder on a slant to see the paper better
For arm/upper body strength:
·  Tape paper to the wall; child reaches up and forward to paint
·  Tape paper on the floor; child paints while lying on her stomach
Put newspaper behind the paper and on the floor so no paint gets on the wall or floor / ·  talk about colors and shapes and discuss what they are painting.
·  imitate vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines and circles (pre-writing skills!)
·  autograph their work – practice letters in the child’s name
·  use different tools, such as: sponges (can cut into shapes), a fork, fingers, or an eye dropper. Look around, what else would make a fun mark?
·  child helps with clean up:
scrunching up the newspaper
wiping the table
carrying items to garbage/sink
Fizzing Watercolors
http://www.funathomewithkids.com/2013/05/fizzing-watercolors.html / Same ideas as above,
although the focus is
watching the bubbling
and fizzing so may
want to keep it simple.
/ Science:
·  After painting, add vinegar (either spray with bottle, or an eye dropper, or try sprinkling it over with a spoon).
·  The baking soda and vinegar react, causing the paint to bubble and fizz.
·  Talk with your child about what you are seeing and hearing.
·  When dry, make a great gift for loved ones.
Water Color Resist Art
http://www.iheartartsncrafts.com/water-color-resist-spider-web-kids-halloween-art/ / Same as
above. / Peeling up the rubber cement is a nice finger strengthening activity.
Other Art Activities / Other Art Activities / Other Art Activities
Handprint Art
http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/59841/75-handprint-art-projects?crlt.pid=camp.BfdxQUajlW9g / Q-Tip Painting
http://artfulparent.com/2010/10/pointillism-for-children.html / Paper Plate Crafts
http://www.craftymorning.com/creative-paper-plate-crafts-kids-make/
Dish Brush Painting
http://www.craftymorning.com/fall-tree-craft-using-dish-brush/ / Cardboard Roll Painting
http://tinkerlab.com/cardboard-roll-heart-stamp/ / Sand Paper Art
http://www.blogmemom.com/art-activities-for-kids-sand-paper-art13169/

Contact Lisa Barczyk at with any questions.