by Pat Merewether

Created on: August 17, 2007   Last Updated: November 04, 2011

Young ones have always amazed and surprised me when they are given the chance to create and experiment. Kids age five and younger have few preconceptions or inhibitions and are great fun to play with.

Here are a few suggestions, gleaned from my personal experience and catastrophes.

1. I've learned to keep craft projects simple and short. Setting out a lot of supplies and 'stuff' can quickly overwhelm a youngster. They also have a relatively short attention span, so be prepared for a brief adventure. You may end up 'finishing' some projects for them if they ask you to.

2, Be sure to have old 'art' clothes and a garden hose available. (just kidding about the garden hose). Nothing spoils fun faster than worrying about getting 'dirty' or making a mess. Getting dirty and messy are part of the fun.

Put newspaper or a drop cloth on the surface you work on as well as on the floor make cleanups faster and easier.

2. Safety is important; obviously, so sharp tools, small objects that are non-edible should be avoided, as well as flames and combustibles. Sorry, Dads, you'll have to wait a few years for those. No Stained glass or candle making for wee ones.

3. Be prepared. Set out the supplies and whatever else you may need before starting. Kids tend to wander off or become frustrated with a long preparation or set up time.

4. Give the child a brief description of what the supplies are and what they might like to try to do with them, but give them plenty of room to 'explore'. I don't like to show examples or pictures of what the finished project looks like as kids will then focus more on recreating what they see. It's much better to let them come up with their own ideas. If they're having a hard time getting started, ask them what they like best; fire engines, butterflies, cats, dogs, etc.

5. Be patient and supportive. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, not fine art or a show of how smart or clever we/they are.

6. Play with the child and try to avoid the parent or teacher mode as much as possible. They don't need the pressure of performing.

Here are a couple of project suggestions. Oldies but goodies!

FOOD FUN:

Chocolate pudding finger painting is always popular. Simply mix up a package of instant pudding - chocolate is usually the most popular. I put at least half of it in a container for eating later, and put out a small plastic bowl of pudding for painting. Most any paper will work. I've used printer paper, drawing paper, paper bags or even waxed paper in a pinch.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>