Thinking of Trying Toddler Art?

Toddler art also plays a really important role in your child's development. A child is only physically ready for writing, and even drawing, after years of having loads of practice using the small muscles in their hands. Colouring, painting and sticking are perfect for strengthening those crucial muscles that your child will depend on for the rest of his life.

Since there are so many children's art supplies on the market, it can seem a little overwhelming. Plus toddlers aren't the best shopping buddies, are they?! On this page I take you through the materials that make the most versatile and creative toddler art.

I've even saved you the search by providing links to the most toddler friendly art supplies, from quality brands like Crayola. Guess what? They're all discounted from their recommended retail price too!

Caution

Any sort of toddler art requires close supervision. If you decide to give a toddler art materials that have an older recommended age, you do so at your own risk. Funnily enough, many nurseries (daycares) have been doing it for years and they are heavily monitored.

First Steps in Art

When your toddler is around 18 months to 2 years it is a good time to introduce him to the world of colouring! A small pack of washable chubby crayons, a pack of white card and a roll of masking tape is an ideal starter pack for toddler art. But many toddlers also manage with normal crayons and paper. Taping the card/paper to a table, hard floor or highchair tray makes it much easier for them use.

Finger painting

Next I'd recommend letting your little one have a go with washable finger paint. Cardboard from cereal and other boxes are great for this. Toddlers usually paint in the same place over and over, so paper doesn't hold up.

Parenting tip for your toddler: I wouldn't recommend keeping finger paint pictures because when it eventually dries the lumpy paint flakes off and looks a mess. But don't worry, your toddler won't miss it and I doubt you'd have enough space to keep every piece of art work your child will ever do. ;-) It's nice to put some of your child's favourite artwork up in the kitchen, though.

Protection from the Mess

I'm not a fan of putting toddlers in aprons for art. They're either too bulky and restrict the child's movement or too skimpy and their clothes still get covered. I've found it works best to strip your toddler down to her nappy (diaper) if it's warm enough, or designate an old/cheap outfit for messy activities. Putting newspaper or a plastic sheet on the floor and table would aid an easy clean up.

Getting More Adventurous

When your toddler's had a lot of practice with finger paint you could give him a chubby paint brush and washable poster paint in pots. If he doesn't like finger paint I'd try him with a paint brush. We've come across some children who don't like getting their hands messy but still enjoy painting... as long as the paint stays on the end of the brush. :-)

I'd still use card or heavyweight construction paper for your toddler art since he will likely pile loads of paint on.

Colouring Pencils

Colouring pencils are a staple for a child's art supplies. The chubby kind are ideal for toddlers, just remember to buy a chubby pencil sharper too. :-) We often get the pencils or crayons out when our little ones are in a wound up, mischievous mood. It's amazing that the atmosphere can instantly change from madness to calm by such a simple action.

Chalking

Chalk is versatile, it can be used on a blackboard (chalkboard) or black paper. Also chalking on a path or driveway creates a calming and engaging outdoor activity that you can do together. Be prepared though, they do get a bit messy. Large playgound chalks are the best at holding up to toddlers rough handling.

Fun Toddler Project

Do you have any left-over wallpaper from decorating at all? Taping some to the floor for colouring or painting, makes a favourite toddler art activity at any stage! Tip: Ensure the floor's swept, as the tape won't stick to the floor otherwise.

Art for Children Over Two Years Old

Felt-tips (markers) add variety to preschool art. Make sure you get the washable kind though! These are especially good if your toddler has a light touch.

Collage Making

Making collages or 'sticking' is a favourite craft activity for many children. This is also especially good preparation for drawing and writing as it uses the pincer grasp.

Glue sticks are less messy than white PVA glue, but they don't hold the chunky bits that little hands can pick up well.

There are many collage materials available such as:

• craft feathers
• little pom poms
• foam shapes
• pipe cleaners
• tissue paper, scrunched into balls

The 'Green' Way

I'm always collecting junk and finding things I can cut up to use in art activities for kids. Before I throw anything away I stop and consider if it can be used in a toddler art activity. I use plastic pots with lids to keep cut up card, paper, netting, plastic, bottle lids, buttons, shells etc ready for my art activities for children. Don't throw your jigsaws away when they have pieces missing. Use them for a sticking activity!

Fun, Free Collage Materials

When your preschooler gets used to this process you can give him different kinds of paper, cut into small shapes. This can include pictures of animals, cars, flowers, people's faces and other interesting things out of catalogues and magazines.

Parenting tip for your toddler: If you buy washable art products, they'll wash away with just a sponge. However, if you have the normal kind, an abrasive cream cleaner makes cleaning up toddler art SO much easier! Not only does it work with paint and glue it also makes crayon and pencil mark disappear.

I hope you and your child enjoy these toddler art activities!

Colour your way from Toddler Art to Toddler Projects