Imagine
That!Try these tips to expand kids' imaginations. Talk with children in ways that expand their thinking. Wonder together. Generate new imaginative explorations.
Scribbles—Creative Beginnings
Tip: When toddlers scribble, they are beginning to gain
the muscle control and learn the skills needed to write and draw. Start
with washable markers and large sheets of plain paper. Color Wonder™ is
a safe, mess-free way for young children to explore color and marvel at
marks left on paper. Talk about the experience, rather than the artistic
result .
Brains Thrive on Art
Tip: Creative thinking builds lots of strong connections
within children's brains. Give children lots of opportunities to use the
language of art as they try to understand the world around them. Introduce
new vocabulary words. Ask children to describe what they see, feel and
are expressing visually.
Puppets & Plays Tie the Arts Together
Tip: Children are so imaginative when they make their own
puppets, stage sets, and costumes. They can write their own scripts, too!
Offer materials for children to work together on their production—and
then perform for an appreciative audience! Talk about the characters,
setting and plot. They can build several stories around the same stage
sets.
Texture Is to Touch!
Tip: Tune children in early to textures. Go on a texture
hunt around the house. Make the exploration into a blindfold game where
children use their fingertips and tactile sensations to identify where
they are. Or make a texture ball by sewing six 6-inch squares of fabric
(such as washable silk, corduroy, burlap, nylon net, velvet, terrycloth)
into a ball. Stuff it with pantyhose. Catch the arts!
How
Does an Artist Think?
Tip: Artists are great observers, so they notice details.
Artists love a challenge, so they try to solve visual problems. Artists
plan ahead, so what they think becomes reality. Ask questions and plan
explorations to ensure that your children observe, try out new ideas,
and end up with creative results. Artists are thinkers and doers!
