The Importance of Art and Self-Expression in Toddlers

The Importance of Art and Self-Expression in Toddlers

The toddler years are full of discovery for a child. Not only is she learning about the world around her, she’s also learning about herself.

One of the most discussed aspects of toddlerhood is how children learn to use words to convey their thoughts and feelings. But children also learn to express themselves in other ways during the early years.

One of the most intriguing ways that youngsters express themselves is through art. If you hand a young child a crayon and a piece of paper, she will almost certainly start scribbling away contentedly. While this may not look like art to an adult, it’s fascinating to young minds.

Toddlers are not consciously aware of color co-ordination and spatial relationships. But art can give them a sense of these things. And this is only the beginning.

Some of the many benefits of art for toddlers include:

* Art boosts a child’s confidence. Even monochromatic scribbles on a piece of paper give kids a sense of accomplishment, because they've created something that wasn’t there before. And as they progress toward using multiple colors and forming recognizable shapes, they gain even more confidence.

* Artistic activities are soothing. Being a toddler can be frustrating, and participating in a quiet activity provides a chance to calm down. Art takes a child’s mind off of the source of frustration and channels it into something enjoyable and productive.

* Art lengthens a child’s attention span. The simple act of putting crayon to paper or squeezing a ball of clay requires a child to pay attention to what she’s doing. And while toddlers tend to spend most of their waking hours on the run, art can keep them sitting still for several minutes at a time. As their skills develop, so will their attention spans.

* Art builds motor skills. Holding a crayon, finger painting, squeezing and flattening clay or play dough, and gluing shapes onto paper all require kids to use their hand muscles in different ways. Such activities also promote hand-eye coordination.

* Creative activities promote abstract thinking. When a child takes an idea and puts it on paper or models it in play dough, she is creating a physical representation of something that exists in her mind. Learning to use this type of thinking early will help your child learn more efficiently throughout life.

Self-expression is a critical part of every child’s development. Speech can help toddlers convey what they’re thinking and feeling, but it can hardly keep up with their constantly evolving brains.

Art provides another much-needed outlet for budding young minds, and at the same time it teaches important skills. It’s also lots of fun for them. With all of these benefits, it’s easy to see why encouraging toddlers to be artistic is so important.

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Kid Tested Activities to keep them Happy, Engaged, and Entertained

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• Most activities are based on objects you already have at home
• Active and engaged children are too busy to look for trouble
• Inspirational and imaginative activities get the kids off the couch and away from the T.V.
• Active kids are less likely to have weight problems, develop into more active adults, and learn to lead healthier lives
• Less time in front of the television lets kids use their imaginations, gives them the capacity to think creatively, and helps them develop better problem solving abilities
• Simple activities require little, if any, preparation so you can pick an activity and do it on the spur of the moment
• Activities that easily adjust to virtually any age or ability means you can use this resource for years to come!

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Finger Painting

Finger Painting

What you need:

• 1 cup of cold water
• 2.5 liters of boiling water (5.25pints)
• 1 cup of soap flakes
• 1 cup laundry starch
• ½ cup of talcum powder
• powder paints or food coloring

What to do:

1. Begin by dissolving the starch in cold water.
2. Add the boiling water slowly while stirring.
3. Add the soap flakes and talcum powder and lastly the paint or coloring.
4. Allow to cool.

• Let the children paint pictures on paper with the finger paint.
• Now make impressions of the pictures by pressing a piece of paper on the picture.
• Use the finger painting prints as gift wrapping.

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Cool Kids Crafts - Cool Corder Machine

Cool Kids Crafts - Cool Corder Machine

Do you love the look of knitted accessories? Would you like to create your own, but don't know the first thing about knitting? If so, you'll love the Cool Corder Knitting Machine.

The Cool Corder comes with everything you need to get started, including a weighted clip, tapestry needle, yarn, embroidery floss, pony beads, and a booklet containing detailed instructions and projects. Some of the things you can make with it include loopy scarves, braided belts, bracelets, and cording to use on all sorts of accessories.

The Cool Corder is very easy to use. It's designed for ages 6 and up, but it's quite popular among adults as well. It makes cording quick and easy, so even the most experienced crafter can save some time with it.

This little machine can help you create stylish accessories at a fraction of the cost. It takes no batteries, so the only thing you'll need to buy is the yarn, thread or floss required to complete each project. It can literally pay for itself after just a few simple projects. You can make gifts for next to nothing, and you can sport a new accessory every day of the week without spending a lot of money.

If you're looking for a great gift for a crafter, the Cool Corder is a fine choice. At $16.99, it's inexpensive, yet it's one of those gifts that keep on giving. You could even add some yarn or embroidery floss and still have a great gift to give for less than $25.

The Cool Corder can help young or inexperienced crafters start making great looking accessories in a matter of minutes. And those who craft regularly love it because it helps them complete their creations much quicker. It's a very useful product, and it's so easy to use that a child can do it.

Children Craft Ideas - Crafting as a Family

Children Craft Ideas - Crafting as a Family

Looking for Children Craft Ideas? Why not crafting as a family? In these busy times, it can be difficult to get the whole family together to do anything. And when we do gather, all too often it's in front of the television, leaving little opportunity for bonding and enjoying one another's company. Getting creative together is a much more rewarding way to spend family time.

Crafting as a family may seem impossible, especially when you have children who were born several years apart. But there are many projects that, with a little help for the younger kids, are appropriate for all ages.

Here are some ideas of crafting as a family that can be used as Children Craft Ideas.

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1. Tie-dying and fabric painting

Making custom-made t-shirts is a great project for the whole family. Tie-dying is easy enough for small children to participate, yet older kids and teens love the look it creates. Fabric painting is also a great way to decorate clothing, and the paint comes in squeeze bottles and jars so your kids can use the method that suits them best.

2. Beaded jewelry

Stringing beads to make necklaces, bracelets, and anklets is one of the simplest crafts there is. While this is not a good project for toddlers because they could swallow the beads, children of preschool age and up can participate. Plastic needles can be used to make beading safer for little hands, and large beads will be easier for them to string. Older children may prefer to use smaller beads, so give them a few different sizes and styles to choose from.

3. Scrapbooking

Although younger children do not have the motor skills to create scrapbook pages on their own, they can certainly help. They can assist in choosing pictures and embellishments for each page, and they can glue on an occasional piece. Children who are just learning to write can do handwritten journaling that will bring back fond memories in a few years. And teens and preteens can create layouts and crop photos.

4. Clay crafts

Creating beads, figurines and other items out of clay is a great project for the family. Younger children can use Play Doh if it's easier or more familiar for them, as it will harden when dry. Clay is great for creating holiday decorations, gifts, and decorative containers.

5. Holiday decorations

Many families turn crafting into a Christmas tradition by having each member make an ornament for the tree each year. But you could also use other holidays for family crafting inspiration. Before Halloween, for example, you could carve or decorate miniature pumpkins together. Any holiday is a great excuse to get everyone together and get creative.

Simple crafts are great for getting the family to work together. These projects are easy enough for young children, but they provide the opportunity for older children and parents to put their creativity to work too. These family craft ideas are ideal to use as Children Craft Ideas. Working together as a family, ideal for homeschoolers!

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Crafting With Your Teen

Crafting With Your Teen

Most kids love to do craft. They are happy to make anything from paper plate animals to macaroni necklaces. But once they hit the teen years, many of them thin

k they're too old (or too cool) for crafting.

Crafting with your kids is a great way to bond with them, and this is especially important during the busy teen years. If you can find a craft that your teenager will find both enjoyable and worthwhile, you'll have a much better chance of talking him or her into giving it a try. And by the time it's completed, she'll probably be ready to create something else. Here are some craft ideas that your teen might like to try.

1. Jewelry

Teen girls and boys both like jewelry, and making it by hand can give them unique pieces that will be the envy of their friends. There are all sorts of ways to create jewelry, from simple beading to hemp macramé to wire jewelry making. There's sure to be a project out there that will fit your teen's style.

2. Tie-dying

Tie-dyed t-shirts are a perennial favorite of teenagers. They're very easy to make, requiring only fabric dye, some rubber bands, and a washing machine or l

arge tub. You can also tie-dye other items such as socks and scarves.

3. Decoupage

You can create all sorts of distinctive home décor items by decoupaging. Your teen might like to make decoupaged jewelry boxes, desk accessories, and furniture for their rooms. Such items also make wonderful gifts for him to give to friends and family.

4. Knitting

Once reserved for elderly ladies, knitting has become quite popular among the younger crowd. This is probably due in part to all of the trendy fashions that one can create by knitting. Yarn comes in a variety of colors and textures, and there are plenty of patterns available that appeal to teens.

5. Candles

It's very easy to create layered jar candles. You can melt down remnants of used candles and pour them into jars to create new ones. If your teen wants to create something a bit more complex, there are kits on the market that include everything they need to get started.

6. Clocks

If you have a clock movement, you can create a clock out of almost any hard material. Clay, wood and paper mache are some of the most popular things to make clocks out of. Your teen can even make a hip clock out of an old CD or record.

It's easy for us to think that our teens have out

grown crafting, but it's simply a matter of presenting them with the right thing. There are lots of crafts that you and your teen can participate in together, creating not only a tangible finished product, but also a wonderful memory for both of you.

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Kids Crafts Ideas - Easy "Cell phone" For Kids To Make

Kids Crafts Ideas - Easy "Cell Phone"

This is once again one of our Kids Crafts Ideas that are meant for the little kids. It is an easy and fun project that the kids will love.

What you need for this kids crafts idea:

• 1 Box the size of a cell phone. (Pill box or a tetra brick box for juice rinsed etc.)
• 1 Black pipe cleaner
• White paper
• Ruler
• Black felt-tipped pen
• Paint brush
• Black paint
• Scissors
• Glue

How to doe this craft:

1. Paint the box black and let the paint dry completely
2. Draw a square on the white paper, divided in the inside to make squares for filling in the keys of the cell phone. For very little ones only make enough for all the numbers
3. With your pen write in the numbers
4. Cut out the square and paste it to the "front" of your cell phone
5. Make a hole on the top and insert the pipe cleaner to make the "aerial"

That it, you have a "cell phone!" Kids Crafts Ideas can be simple. Sometimes the kids enjoy the easy and simple kid's crafts more. You can build a whole lesson around this about communication, how cell phones work and even numbers. Enjoy our Kids Crafts Ideas.

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Kids Holiday Crafts - Making Pinecone Pots Kids Holiday Crafts

Kids Holiday Crafts are such fun and they love making something that can contribute to the holiday spirit, fun and decorations. This is one of our easy Kids Holiday Crafts that that the kids will love.

This is what you will need for your kids holiday craft:

• Pinecones
• Wood stars
• 1¹/₂ Inch terra cotta pots
• Paper napkins
• Acrylic paint in the desired colors
• Thick white crafts glue
• Paint brushes

How to do this crafts:

1. Paint your pots in the desired color
2. Let them dry completely
3. Choose another color to decorate the pots, you can decorate them with stripes, or dots or any pattern you like. Use as many colors as you please.
4. Remember to rinse the brushes well before you change colors.
5. Dots can be made very easily by dipping the back of the brush in the paint and pressing it to the pot.
6. Now the paint has to dry once again.
7. Meanwhile you can paint your pine cones white.
8. Let them dry.
9. Apply a second coating of white paint.
10. Let them dry
11. Now you can paint your stars to match your pots
12. Let your stars dry well.
13. Now you have to fill your pots with crumpled paper napkins so the pine cone will fit nicely.
14. Wet the paper with lots of crafts glue
15. Neatly set the pinecone in the pots onto the wet napkins to glue it in position
16. Glue a star onto each pinecone
17. Let all the glue dry very well before you use your pots in your decorations.

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Halloween Kids Crafts - Baking Great Halloween Cupcakes

Halloween Kids Crafts - Baking Great Halloween Cupcakes

Baking cup cakes are great Halloween Kids Crafts. You may not believe me but my little granddaughter that is only 4 years old, has amazing success with cupcakes with very little help from my side. Obviously, they are not "show" quality but very edible. With older kids you can start teaching them to bake better cupcakes.

Cupcakes are fun to make, and even more fun to eat. They're a favorite snack for Halloween parties, or to have around the house for your ghouls and goblins.

Here are some tips for making your Halloween cupcakes irresistible:

1. Be sure to preheat the oven fully, and bake your cupcakes on the middle rack.
2. Mix your batter carefully. Be sure not to mix longer than the mix or recipe calls for, and bring your ingredients to room temperature before you add them in. This will keep your batter from being lumpy and make your cupcakes nice and moist.
3. Use decorative Halloween cupcake cups. These cut down on messes and add a nice touch to your finished treats. If you prefer not to use paper cups, you'll need to grease and flour each individual section of the pan.
4. Fill each cup 2/3 full. If they're filled any higher, the cake will rise and spill over onto the pan. If not full enough, they will turn out too small.
5. If your oven heats unevenly, turn the pan around halfway through baking.
6. Check your cupcakes after the minimum baking time by inserting a toothpick in the middle of one. If it comes out clean, they're done. If not, they need to bake a little longer.
7. Try pumpkin cake mix for a great Halloween flavor. This goes great with cream cheese icing!
8. If you don't like the idea of pumpkin cupcakes but want to make them look more festive, add some food coloring to make them orange. You'll have to experiment to get the right shade. In yellow cupcakes, a dash of red may be all that's needed. If you're using white cake mix, you'll need to add orange (or red and yellow). Add a drop at a time and mix well until you get the color you want.

Halloween Kids Crafts - Cup Cake Decorating Ideas:

1. Orange frosting is great for making your cupcakes look like pumpkins. You could add black frosting accents to make a jack-o-lantern face, or stick a small piece of green licorice in the middle to make the entire cupcake resemble a small pumpkin.
2. Use a fine-tipped frosting applicator to draw spooky designs on your frosted cupcakes. Spiders, spider webs and ghosts are quick and easy to draw.
3. Break oval-shaped cookies in half to make tombstones. Stick them upright in the frosting, and write "R.I.P" on them in a contrasting frosting color. This looks especially good with green or brown icing for the "ground."
4. Top your cupcakes with creepy candies. Gummy worms, candy bones, and chocolate monsters are favorites of kids.
5. Make spider cupcakes. Use black licorice to make eight legs, and add any kind of small round candies (or use frosting) for the eyes.

These are only a few ideas to get busy in the kitchen with the kids for Halloween Kids Crafts.

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Make Kids Crafts - Make a Mural

Make Kids Crafts - Make a Mural

How to make kids crafts for a group:

Usually all instructions for how to make kids crafts are crafts ideas for individuals. It is a good idea thought, to also do crafts working in a group.

1. Make a mural:

Making a mural together is an idea that works very well for a group. Working together the kids are creating something to decorate a shared area with. Displaying individual items often creates a very "overdone" image because there are so many that are almost the same. Sending home all the kids crafts later on creates a problem at home because it takes up such a lot of space. Later on parents have no choice but to throw them out. This craft idea of making a group mural can be displayed for several weeks and will not become clutter in anyone's home.

2. Basic materials:

The basic materials for a kids' group mural is freezer paper. Freezer paper is about 18 inches wide, and it is very tough. One side is plastic coated. That is the side that is designed to be placed against the food. You will have better luck drawing on and gluing things onto the other side.

3. A number of different design elements:

Class or group murals can feature a number of different design elements. You can mix up some finger paint and let the children make hand prints (or even foot prints!) on the paper. You can let them scour old cast-off magazines and color catalogs for pictures they like and let them cut the pictures out and glue them on. They can add scribbles, designs, signatures, slogans, or pictures using markers, crayons, or gel pens. They can attach stickers to the mural as well. This craft idea is very flexible!

4. The choice of a topic:

For making the mural, choose a topic that relates to the group in some way.

• If the group are girl scouts, for instance, and have been learning to camp, the mural can feature pictures of items related to camping.
• If you've been learning about dinosaurs, you can use them as a theme.

5. An idea for fall:

If you want a really messy project that makes a cute mural for fall, mix up finger paint in fall colors. The children can each make a tree by first laying their forearm in brown paint. Then they lay their arm on the paper to make the trunk of the tree. They should spread out their fingers so their arm print has five short branches at the top. To make the leaves, the children make fingerprints all around the top of the tree using paints in other fall colors. If you add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to finger paint when mixing it up, it will be easier to clean off the children's arms. Do make sure they have old clothes or smocks for this craft idea.

6. One for the little kids:

Little preschoolers will like making a mural with an animal theme. You should probably find and cut out animal magazine pictures to start with, and then let the children choose the ones they like for gluing down. Glue sticks are neat to use with small children. They will paste some of the pictures upside down. Expect it and do not scold them. It is the process that is important in this craft idea. The children can also use animal cookie cutters dipped in finger paint to stamp animals on the mural. You may need to tape the paper to the table so it doesn't slide around while the children work.

These are only a few ideas on how to make kids crafts for a group. The most important thing to remember is, try and give the kids free reign and leave them when they do it their way and not exactly as you planned it. To make kids crafts for a group is about their interaction and their ideas, let them experiment.

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Fun Kids Crafts 101 Kid Summer Activities Kid's Party Crafts And Games Little Kid Crafts for All Seasons Creative Playdough Ideas For Kids