I love invitations to create with recycles.
These invitations offer endless exploration for your preschooler, and not to mention; it also offers the caregiver a break. Being at home all day, this preschool activity can also be called, An Invitation to Give Me a Minute. But for traditional post purposes, we will call this an invitation to create with recycles.
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There has to be a balance of integrating curriculum and allowing your preschooler to explore and discover concepts independently, using their own creativity.
Try to incorporate process-oriented art rather than product-oriented art opportunities. We keep most of our supplies in our art cart.
Did you know that process-oriented art will:
- Encourage self-expression
- Release imagination and creativity
- Explores concepts such as space, lines, form, shapes, patterns, design, and colors. (To mention a few!)
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This art activity also allows your preschooler to practice with:
- Fine motor skills
- Problem-solving – My preschooler was trying to stack the dry noodles
- Design decisions and composition
- Scissor skills
An Art Provocation Set-Up:
Begin by offering your preschooler a variety of art supplies. We used recycled cardboard for the canvas, but never underestimate the potential of a paper tube.
Next, allow your preschooler to explore and create. Try not to direct or add input. This is a great activity for problem-solving. Remember, this is not product-oriented. You have no idea the outcome.
Art supplies we love
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- Watercolors
- Washable liquid paint – starter set
- Washable liquid paint – 16oz
- Paintbrushes for kids
- Heavyweight white paper
- Use builder’s paper from a home improvement store to layer your tabletop. This is typically found in the painting aisle.
- White paper roll
- Colored construction paper
- Gluestick
- Child scissors (we love these!)
Better yet, find an entire list of our favorite art supplies for kids here!
Once your preschooler has the foundation of their creation, you can then introduce paint.
Invite younger siblings in for the collaboration.
Why is painting at home so intimidating? I get it. The setup, the cleanup. Oy! I’m here to assure you that both boys are now clean, clothes are in the wash, the kitchen was cleaned in less than five, and creativity was intensified.
I even wrote an entire post about how to paint with kids to help provide some guidance.
Keep in mind that I had NO idea how this would turn out. But as your preschooler creates, it will evolve. This art invitation to create came out pretty cute!