Instructions

Things you'll need:

• Various art materials and supplies. Ideally
• Paper
• Paint
• Glue
• Safety scissors
• Collage materials
• Clay
• Recycled materials
• Crayons

1. Set up a space where your child can work. Ideally, this should include a child sized table and chair. Make art materials available to your child. Crayons, paper, paint, scissors (if they are able to use them safely), glue, collage materials, recycled materials and clay are all great things to have on hand. Organize the materials in an area where your child can see and reach everything herself.
2. Don't worry about your child making a mess. Squeezing clay between fingers and rubbing hands in pools of paint can be wonderful sensory experiences. Allowing your child to make a mess will help your child enjoy the creation process, and she will get more out of her overall experience.
3. Try not to interrupt your child, or tell her how things should be done. There should be no rules in preschool art. Let her color her grass purple, and her sun green.
4. Don't force your child to continue working on a project if she no longer wants to. Forcing preschoolers to "finish" creating will take away the enjoyment of the process. Also, if your child is uninterested in a particular medium, don't pressure her to use it. She will try it when she's interested and ready.
5. When your child shows you what she's made, try to avoid generic comments like, "how pretty," or "what is it?" An art project doesn't necessarily have to be a represent anything. Instead, try to give your child some concrete feedback on what she's created. For example, "you used a lot of blue," or "the line that you drew is very long."
6. Display your child's artwork where she can see it on a regular basis, and feel proud of her accomplishments. Hang paintings at her eye level, put sculptures on low tables, and so on.

Tips

• Keep hand washing supplies nearby for easy clean-up. You can use hand wipes, a damp towel, or a small bowl of soapy water.
• If you want to protect your table, you can cover it in newspaper or use a plastic tablecloth.
• Keep a smock available, or have your child dress in clothes that you are not concerned about. She should not have to worry about getting dirty. That being said, keep in mind that there is a "washable" version of almost everything: crayons, paint, glue, etc.
• Keep art materials in containers (preferably clear) that are clearly labeled, so that clean-up will be easier for your child.
• If you don't have room to designate a particular area for art projects, consider keeping art supplies handy in a bin or tote, so that you can set them up when you are ready.
• Make sure that all of the products that you use are non-toxic, and that you heed all warning labels.
• Provide scissors that are specifically designed for children. Scissors should only be made available if your child can use them safely, or if you plan on assisting her with her work.

Some other great resources:

• How to engage with art for children.
• How to engage your child in art (video).