Children's craft expert Courtney Watkins shows how to organize art by having children use their imagination and some recycled materials to design a space for their creative play.
- Start by designating a shelf, cabinet, closet or chest as your child's special art area.
- Draw a picture of each kid-friendly tool and write out the name of what it is, so if the child can't read, they'll still know where each item goes. It also teaches them to clean up after themselves.
- Make a box of recyclables for children to use to create playthings. Include magazines, plastic containers and cardboard tubes. For example, a doll can be made out of an empty dishwashing soap bottle.
- Create a box that includes items of various textures--sandpaper, cotton balls, feathers, bubble wrap and leaves.
- Place cellophane, foil and neon papers in a separate box.
- Create an imagination box that holds a variety of hand-me-downs, costumes and disguises--include all types of clothes, accessories and props.
- Make a drama file with an index-card box that includes written scenarios on each card for children to re-enact and resolve. Each card should state the players, setting and problem at hand. This will help your child to act spontaneously to a situation.
* Note: This is great to use in conjunction with the imagination box to bring the drama to life.
Resources Courtney's Creative Adventures
by Courtney Watkins
Little, Brown & Co., 2002
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Guests Courtney Watkins
Creativity Expert
E-mail:
Courtney@CourtneyWatkins.com
Website:
www.courtneywatkins.com
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