G (18 months) sees his big sis M (5.5) doing art ALL THE TIME and wants so badly to join. I’ve tried to introduce him, little by little, to new projects and he is loving it!
Don’t be afraid to get messy with crafts for toddlers. We plan lots of things around bath time and only use child-safe, washable paints and stamps!
Don’t be afraid to get messy with crafts for toddlers. We plan lots of things around bath time and only use child-safe, washable paints and stamps!
Paint!
Yes, it will be messy. I tape down paper to his high chair tray and let him go wild. It is almost always immediately followed by a bath because it quickly turns into fingerpainting (which is an AWESOME sensory experience for little learners!).
Different Mediums
I try and introduce lots of different mediums and tools to G. We love painting everything from pumpkins to bubble wrap! He enjoys paint brushes, foam rollers, and of course, his fingers. Let your tot explore!
Stamps!
A couple of long-handled or chunky foam stamps and a washable stamp pad can provide so much fun! G loves to dip and then stamp, stamp, stamp. Lakeshore has an awesome selection!
Dot Stampers
I’m not going to say these are mess free, but they are packed with fun for tots! He can stamp and paint with so much determination and focus! Plus, even matching the correct color lids back on is fun in itself!
So go dig in, even with your littlest learners! I promise it’ll be fun (if not a tad chaotic!) experience!
Written by Jill
Our NEW eBook: Learn and Play with Your Toddler
An Easy to Read Reference of Monthly Activities for Your Toddler
Jyoti V
Tuesday 7th of May 2013
Very nice ideas for kids. :)
The Activity Mom
Friday 12th of April 2013
Linda,My daughter is like that. I think sometimes the texture is the reason my son doesn't want to get involved. My daughter wants to get involved but doesn't like the mess so I just keep a thing of baby wipes near her and she wipes her hands a lot in between.
Linda
Friday 12th of April 2013
Any tips on little ones who don't like to get messy? They want to wipe during a meal, when you do crafts, etc. I'm not sure what happens at home to make them so finicky about having fun!
Poornima Kulkarni
Tuesday 22nd of January 2013
Hi, My lil one loves to paint. She is two years old. I first cover the entire table in newspaper or cardpaper. I give her potatoes cut elongated and then shaped with the help of cookie cutters. We get different shapes like star, heart, round etc. Then, I let her dip them in it and stamp the entire table with it. She loves to do it and we use the papers as giftwraps then. We also use sponges at times. If you like this idea and find time, please do visit http://quickraft.blogspot.in/ Thanks, Poornima
Heather Wing
Wednesday 21st of November 2012
Wow, you are amazing! I have to admit I have a hard time letting the kids paint. I know they love it but I cringe when I see paint hit the floor...hahabut this has inspired me a little bit and maybe I will get the paint out tomorrow. Thanks :)