Being locked in our homes during the pandemic can be stressful to all members of the household--parents are overworked and toddlers may experience cabin fever. But don’t worry mama, art is there to provide therapy and play.
Art need not be expensive or time-consuming, and it’s a great way for families to bond and kids can learn while having fun. Here are some art activities you can try at home with your toddlers, even if you aren't an artsy mama!
1. Art fun with ice cubes
Shake off that summer heat in the tropical Philippines. Take out ice cubes from your ref, put them in a basin or a bowl and let your kids enjoy painting the ice cubes with paint or even Crayola watercolors. Watch them be in awe of color combos in a different medium. Not so messy too!
Photo from Busy Toddler
You may also opt to freeze watercolor-painted water and see how this art exercise and sensory play will be so engaging for your child.
You’d be amazed at the probable result.
2. Trace, trace, trace
Not-so-gifted in the art department? Put your palm on a cardboard or paper, trace it, and draw squares on the nail part. Let your toddler add color to the nails. Instant manicure play!
You may also invest in stencils. Create fun scenarios and make up stories about dinosaurs, insects, transportation, or the sea. Try felt paper to add texture to your art play.
3. Pretend food and more
Have a pizza party! Grab an old cardboard, make toppings with used magazines or art paper and enhance your child’s imagination. You can even make a chef hat from plain bond paper to maximize the pretend play. Don’t forget to use child-safe scissors (and full parental guidance still required).
Photo from Artsy Crafts Mom
4. A wall or floor full of art
There’s nothing like freeplay, even when we’re talking about art. Why don’t you scribble funny faces on that bedroom *gasp* corner wall or your floor tiles? Fret not, as these washable crayons will make all the cleaning easy after your art activity. Make a mural, a comic strip (stick figures, for the win!), and see your tot create an abstract masterpiece.
You may also draw big planets on floors and play a “let’s go to planet” game. This is a hit for planet-crazed toddlers.
5. Theater and color play
Looking to improve physical touch and quality time with your kids? Draw faces on thumbs or hands and speak in a funny voice. Recreate story time with your hands as props or draw a gingerbread man or a rainbow on your palm. Create a heart on your thumb and use it like a stamp and put on your toddler’s feet. The possibilities are endless with these washable markers- gentle on skin and easy to clean.
6. Make wearable art
Convert those plain white sandos into memory-filled clothes. Scribble names, draw shapes or just paint anything using these fabric markers. Let your toddler add art to your favorite pambahay and be reminded of the fun activity you shared together every time you wear that shirt.
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