After talking to my mom about art activities for Ella and Ethan, she bought me this fantastic book,
First Art-Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos by MaryAnn Kohl. Now, to be honest, certain activities will have to wait (at least on weekdays) until Ethan officially becomes a toddler in a month or so and stops trying to gobble down delicious objects such as pebbles or paper towels. I'm pretty sure Caroline would not appreciate being surprised with glittery or crayon-filled poop. Although one time I saw a kid throw up in elementary school after eating a bag of Skittles and it was pretty amazing.
This afternoon I started sifting through my large pile of teacher junk in our garage and suddenly realized that I had given away many of my artsy materials back in May! That's what I get for whittling down my stuff! We all teased one of my former teammates about hoarding enough stuff in her classroom cabinets to start up a Walmart, yet I bet SHE has a collection of buttons and assorted ribbon when she needs them.
Well, here are some of the materials I'd like to have to get further toddler art projects going around here. Do NOT spend your money. But if you have extra crud lying around that your spouse would like you to get rid of or you've been waiting for the perfect use for that old shower curtain, send it my way! This way you're not only helping a family on a tight budget and enriching the minds of future leaders, but you're helping the environment as well. :) I'm not going to put my address on here for obvious reasons, but I if you'd like to mail me some art supplies, shoot me an email or comment and I'll send you my address. If you don't want to mail it, then perhaps I can pick up some of the goodies from you the next time I'm in your area.
***If it's not on the list, that's probably because I have it already or it is too small/sharp/etc. to have around 1-year-olds. And I don't need enough for a lifetime, just a little of each is what I'm looking for. :) Thank you!!!
1. sidewalk chalk
2. crayons
3. fabric scraps
4. ribbon
5. sticky dot stickers
6. white and colored construction paper
7. brightly colored yarn
8. paintbrushes (all sizes)
9. unflavored gelatin
10. tempera paint (liquid or powdered)
11. old, clean plastic shower curtain
12. Bingo bottles (have foam tips)
13. dry erase markers
14. piece of white dry erase board (I have an easel with both white board and chalkboard but I was thinking this would be cool for "on-the-go" art while running errands.)
15. feathers
16. playdough
See, look! Ella's already down to her diaper ready to make an artsy mess!!!
P.S. What's that age again where kids begin to realize (or care) they have a wedgie?
P.S. What's that age again where kids begin to realize (or care) they have a wedgie?