Article at-a-glance:

Importance of art

by MaryAnn F. Kohl

Are you imagining paint and glue everywhere but on the paper? No wonder! Toddlers and twos are exuberant and messy, but face your fears! By doing art projects with your toddler, you will be providing opportunities for him/her to learn and grow, to develop fine motor skills, and to discover a whole new world that builds independent, creative individuals.

TODDLERS ARE LIKE SNOWFLAKES
Toddlers (those little ones ages one through three) are unique in the kingdom of child development. They are emerging as a separate self from Mommy and Daddy and are becoming independent -- and more challenging in their outright declarations of "By myself!" or "No, no, no." This is truly a difficult time for both adult and child. Because toddlers are going through many stages of independence and separation, they often are uncertain or resistant.

Does this sound familiar? One day, your toddler vehemently resists an activity; the next day, that same activity is welcomed openly and with enthusiasm. Toddlers offer adults a unique challenge to flexibility and patience. See how your child compares in the list of common toddler characteristics below (it should be reassuring to see your own toddler in many of these descriptions!):
-- seeks new and interesting stimuli
-- has a strong sense of "mine" and is learning "not mine"
-- likes predictable routines, but can adjust
-- is willing to experiment with art materials
-- likes something one day but not the next -- then likes it again
-- is perfecting fine motor skills
-- is often fearful of strangers, but can adjust
-- usually is somewhat anxious about separation from parents.

Each toddler has a unique personality and a unique level and pace of development. Like snowflakes, no two toddlers are alike; and no two toddlers achieve the same skill levels at the same time or in the same exact way. To keep expectations realistic and to make toddler art experiences successful and enjoyable, parents should take into account their child's unique temperament traits and developmental level.

Toddler temperaments vary widely: Some toddlers are sensitive, while others seem impervious to distress; some throw tantrums, while others are flexible; and most fall somewhere on the continuum between extremes. Feisty, fearful, adaptable, shy, docile, cautious, positive, negative, moody, intense, distracted, and active -- these are all traits that apply to one toddler or another, sometimes to the same toddler all in one day! Let your toddler's temperament help you choose which art activities to enjoy together. If it won't work today, try it tomorrow! Be flexible, supportive, and nurturing -- these traits are key to working with toddlers. So, take a deep breath and jump in!

ART IS A PROCESS, NOT A PRODUCT
Toddlers explore art as a learning experience, an experiment, and an activity of discovery that is simulating and interesting. They are more interested in the process than the finished product. There is no such thing as a cookie cutter-perfect craft for toddlers -- it's simply of no interest to them. During the process, toddlers discover their own independent creativity, as well as mystery, joy, delight, and frustration, all of which are important pieces in the puzzle of learning. Whatever emerges, be it a bright, sticky glob or a gallery-worthy masterpiece, to a toddler it is only the "result" of doing art, not the reason.

Art allows toddlers to explore, discover, and manipulate their worlds. Sometimes the process can be sensory, such as feeling slippery, cool paint on bare fingers. Other times it is mysterious, as colors blend unexpectedly or a blob of play dough takes form. Art can be a way to "get the wiggles out." Better to smash a ball of clay than another toddler!

Exploring the process of art will give the toddler wide experiences and time to learn and develop both naturally and appropriately. The adult's job is to simply allow it to happen. Provide interesting materials. Sit back and watch closely but unobtrusively. Offer help with materials and clean-up, but don't provide examples for toddlers to copy, as this limits possibilities and hinders the wonder of discovery.

Use open-ended comments to encourage your toddler to explore art. Some appropriate comments are:
-- "Tell me about your artwork (painting, drawing, playdough, etc.)."
-- "Did you like doing this? Did you like making this?"
-- "I see you've used many colors!"
-- "How does the paint feel?"
-- "Look at the bright yellow!"
-- "What a big design!"
-- "I see you've made brown."
-- "What are you going to try next?"

8 TIPS FOR HAPPY, RELATIVELY CLEAN FIRST ART EXPERIENCES
1. Cover the workspace with newspaper. Tape it down to prevent spills. Other recommended workspace coverings are flat sheets of cardboard, an old shower curtain, a plastic tablecloth, butcher paper, or roll ends of newsprint from the local newspaper print shop.

2. Make clean-up easy for toddlers and worry-free for the adult in charge! Place a wet sponge, a wet towel, or pads of damp paper towels nearby for wiping sticky fingers. A bucket of soapy water near the work table substitutes for a sink across the room.

3. The best cover-up is clothing set aside for art only. Toddlers and adults can then enjoy art activities without worrying about stains and spills. Suggested cover-ups are a slip-on T-shirt, easy pull-on pants, and old Velcro-style sneakers, all of which are quick to put on and take off.

4. Toddlers usually paint most comfortably in a standing or kneeling position. If they sit, their feet should touch the floor to give them better balance and more comfort.

5. Consider protecting a larger circle of space around the workspace (floors, walls, carpets) from stray splatters.

6. It's never too late to start collecting recyclables for art. Save collage materials, fabric and paper scraps, Styrofoam grocery trays, yarn, sewing trims, junk mail, sticks and pebbles. Use heavy plastic storage bags, shoe boxes, or other containers for storage.

7. Once is never enough for most toddlers! Repeat activities and allow toddlers to make many art projects at once. Have plenty of paper and supplies on hand for multiple art experiences. The more they create, the more they learn.

8. Safety with toddlers is of prime concern. Never leave a toddler unattended. All toddler art activities require supervision. If working with smaller objects, always sit one-on-one to supervise closely. Be especially careful of objects that are small enough to be swallowed or pointy objects that may poke, and remember to use only art supplies that are labeled non-toxic. [Safety Note: Because toddlers like to test objects with their lips and tongues, use a choke tube to assess which items are small enough to choke on. A small parts "tester" or choke tube is available at hardware stores and better toy stores for approximately one dollar. Items particularly attractive to toddlers but extremely risky include balloons, pennies, marbles, staples, tacks, and paperclips.]

AND WHEN THEY'RE ALL GROWN UP…
Though it is hard to believe, one day these little dynamos will be all grown up. One of the greatest joys of being a young adult is seeing that someone cared enough to treasure the past. Save samples of your toddler's artworks in a scrapbook or box to enjoy in years to come.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
First Art: Art for Toddlers and Twos by MaryAnn Kohl (Gryphon House)
Mudworks: Creative Clay, Dough, and Modeling Experiences by MaryAnn Kohl (Bright Ring Publishing)
Scribble Art: Independent Creative Art Experiences for Children by MaryAnn Kohl (Bright Ring Publishing)

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Deluxe Standing Easel by Melissa and Doug
Easel Paper Rolls by Melissa & Doug
Washable Broadline Markers 12ct. by Creativity For Kids
Alex Giant Art Jar by Alex Toys
TriWrite Crayon by The Pencil Grip