Early Childhood Art Programs

• These notes cover program basics, goals, setup, and art activities for different age groups.

Program Basics: Goals and Setting Up

• Emphasis should be placed on the learning process rather than solely on the final product.
• Programs must be tailored to meet the individual needs of each child, considering their developmental stage, interests, and strengths.
• Encouraging children to think independently and explore their own ideas is important for building confidence and creativity.
• Programs should stimulate imagination and problem-solving skills.
• Recognize that every child progresses at their own rate, and programs should be flexible to accommodate these differences.

Art Activities for Toddlers (Ages 2-4)

Collage Creation (Construction Center)

• Uses scrap paper, fabric, buttons, glue, scissors (with supervision), and colored paper.
• Toddlers glue materials onto paper, encouraging fine motor skills and creativity.
• Supports decision-making as children select colors and textures.
• Learning goals include developing fine motor skills, promoting self-expression, and fostering hand-eye coordination.

Finger Painting (Curiosity Corner)

• Uses non-toxic finger paints, large paper sheets, aprons, and water for cleaning.
• Toddlers explore the tactile experience of finger painting and freely express themselves.
• Focus is on sensory experience rather than a finished product.
• Learning goals include encouraging sensory exploration, creativity, and self-expression.

Crayon Drawings (Sensory Corner)

• Uses crayons, textured papers, coloring books, or plain white sheets.
• Toddlers experiment with crayons on different paper textures.
• Helps develop fine motor skills and an understanding of textures.
• Learning goals include improving hand control, color recognition, and texture exploration.

Art Activities for Older Preschoolers (Ages 4-6)

Outdoor Nature Collage (Outside Environments)

• Uses leaves, sticks, stones, flowers, glue, and large paper.
• Children collect natural materials to create a nature collage.
• Encourages appreciation for nature and develops fine motor skills.
• Learning goals include fostering creativity, environmental awareness, fine motor skills, and teamwork (if done in groups).

Mud Painting (Outside Environments)

• Uses safe, non-toxic mud, paintbrushes, and paper or canvas.
• Children mix mud with water to create paint and make designs on paper.
• It’s an immersive sensory experience that combines nature with creative expression.
• Learning goals include sensory exploration, creativity, connection with nature, and fine motor development.

Nature Printing (Outside Environments)

• Uses leaves, flowers, branches, non-toxic paint, large paper, paintbrushes, and sponges.
• Children paint natural objects and press them onto paper to create prints.
• Helps understand patterns and textures while enhancing creativity.
• Learning goals include understanding patterns, texture exploration, and developing an interest in the natural environment.