How to Teach Arts and Crafts to Children
Involving your children early on in craft projects will put a spark of interest in their thoughts about the arts; even if you are not very crafty yourself! Here are a few ideas and tips to get you started on the correct path of teaching arts and crafts to children:
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Time
- Enthusiasm
- Compliments
- Patience
- Art Supplies - this can be as simple as crayons and paper!
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1
Save items to use later on for craft project supplies. Some great things to save are boxes; cereal boxes, mac-n-cheese boxes, and my favorite: Velveeta cheese boxes. Other great items to save are paper towel and toilet paper rolls, as well as Kleenex boxes.
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2
If you have it; they will create! Simply place a few of the items listed above on the table along with: paper, crayons, markers, paints, tape, and/or glue, and let their creative juices flow!
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3
If you feel you'd rather have a set project, then there are two websites that I highly recommend. The first is dltk-kids.com (see link in resources below); they offer a range of ideas mainly pointed toward younger children. The next one is for all ages; young to old. It is Crayola.com's Activity Pages (see link in resources below). You will find a ton of projects here, with step by step instructions and pictures. I highly suggest to bookmark these two sites.
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4
Gather the supplies and materials needed.
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5
Decide where you want to do this project; a dining room table works well, however, you may wish to cover it in plastic or newspaper, depending on the 'messiness' of your project.
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6
Call the kid(s) in to begin!
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always stay enthusiastic, especially when they are feeling a little down, because their project doesn't look like the one in the picture.
One of my favorite artists, Bob Ross (The Joy of Painting) (see link in resources below), always has catchy inspirational quotes and would say something like: "It's your world, there are no mistakes, only happy accidents." I'm not sure if those are his exact words, but the sentiment is there; use it one your kids.
Have plenty of paper towels and soap!
Always encourage the kids to help clean up; this works especially well after finding a special place to show case their project/art.
When your spouse, family or friends come over, have your little one(s) show their projects off.
If using paints, remember water paints and poster board paints are best for younger children.
Acrylics and oil paints are more for older children, but be sure to clean up spills asap. Use water for acrylics and paint thinner, or paint remover for oil (this maybe an outside projects for newbies!)
Never insult your child's creativity, or his or her final project/art/drawing. Remember, one word of praise travels many miles.
Use water to clean up for acrylics and paint thinner, or paint remover, for oil (this maybe an outside projects for newbies!).
Related Searches
Resources
- Photo Credit Picture taken by Tina Hesskew
