Preschool Creative Art Activities

Painting Activities

• For a simple yet fun painting activity, let your child put strands of Scotch tape on a paint roller in any pattern he likes. Then, he can dip the roller in paint and paint on big sheets of butcher paper, seeing the pattern his tape makes. Or, have your child use strips of tape to make "roads" on a large piece of butcher paper. When the road-building is complete, simply have your child paint over the entire page in whichever color she chooses. When the paint's dry, the child can carefully remove the tape, and he has instant roads.

Salad Spinner Creations

• Is your Salad Spinner gathering dust in your cupboard? Dig it out to help your child make art. After covering the work surface with butcher paper, have your child put a paper plate inside the spinner. Then, he can drop teaspoons of different colored paint on top of the plate. Put the lid on and let the child spin. Then, have the child pick out some glitter, place it inside the spinner and spin again. Afterward, the spin-art painting will be complete.

Other Art Ideas

• Make a book by having your child draw a series of pictures to tell a story. Then, help him cut holes in the pages and "bind" them together with ribbon. Write down simple words to the story for him with a permanent marker, or have him copy your letters if he's old enough. Then, read the story together. Or, make an ocean in a bottle. Gather together some sand, small sea shells, a 2-liter soda bottle and some blue food coloring. Let the child put in as much sand and shells as she'd like, then add water to the bottle. Add a few drops of blue food coloring and mix in, then replace the lid tightly to complete the project. Or give your child some uncooked pasta noodles in various shapes and a cardboard frame, and let him glue them on to decorate the frame. If you want, use food coloring and a touch of rubbing alcohol, and place it in a baggie with pasta first, to dye the noodles in a rainbow of colors.