Preschool art is an easy way to help your little one reinforce basic concepts — such as colors, patterns, or shapes. But don't let the word "preschool" fool you into thinking these art projects are only for kiddos who are 3 to 6-years-old; preschool literally means "pre" (before) and "school" (meaning elementary). Pack in some creative learning with these easy crafts to do with your little ones.
Color Mixing Paint
Explore the science behind art with a simple color mixing project. If your toddler can't seem to keep his colors straight, use this activity to help boost his recognition skills. Don't worry if his "art" doesn't really look like anything in particular. Instead, think of it as an abstract masterpiece.
-Pour the three primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) of tempera paint on a paper plate or palette.
-Give your toddler a thick bristle brush and help him dip it in the red.
-Encourage him to paint a dollop of red on a white piece of paper.
-Rinse the brush and dip it into the yellow, and have him paint over the red to make orange.
-Repeat with the other colors to make more shades and hues.
Patterns are a basic mathematics concept that toddlers are readily able to handle. Use stamps, tempera, or finger paints to make a playful pattern on a piece of paper (or try an unfinished picture frame).
-Choose at least two different colors of paint and two different stampers.
-Pour each paint color on a paper plate or palette.
-Assign one stamper to each paint color.
-Help your little one press each stamper into its paint color.
-Stamp a pattern (alternating colors) on a paper or any other surface that you want to decorate.
Take a trip down geometry lane by making a shape collage.
-Cut geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares out of colored paper.
-Have your toddler use glue sticks to collage the shapes onto a piece of cardboard.
-Name the shapes as you go along to make sure that your little learner understands all the names.
Do you do art at home with your child? If so, what are your favorite preschool art projects to do? Be sure to share below in the comments section!