I truly believe art is so important. Children's first marks are the beginning of writing. Art teaches children problem solving, provides opportunities for self-expression, encourages creativity, provides a sense of aesthetics, and allows children to put their thoughts on paper.

When young children are engaged in art, the process is more important than the product. Allowing them time to explore the materials and create their own unique art should be the goal. This is why whenever possible you should offer children blank paper rather than coloring pages.

I often ask young children, "Can you tell me about your picture?" The importance of doing this, I find, is in their ability to describe their thought process. Or try making verbal observations about their pictures such as "I noticed you used all blue or you are making big strokes." Over time, they may describe the picture differently. This is unimportant. The goal is their unique process and the creative dialogue it provides.

Everyone can do art at home. You do not need fancy supplies. Doing art will prepare children's small muscles for writing. It does not have to be messy, it can be, but you can limit the mess with preparation. Or try the recipe for bathtub fingerpaints below. Using an easel on a table creates a special space to make art. If your child stands while painting at the easel they will strengthen their large muscles as they make large broad strokes across the paper. Try putting different types of music on while painting too and make observations about their paintings.

Easy Easel

Materials:

Medium size box

8 clothespins

Scissors

Paints or collage materials

Paper – you can always use leftover grocery bags cut to size

1. Place box on a table or work surface covered with newspaper or an old shower curtain. You may want to open flaps outward and tape to table to secure. Measure paper size to see where you need to place your holes in the box to hold your clothes pins.

2. Cut two holes in each side on the top edge, for paper clothespin holders.

3. Insert one prong of the clothespin in the hole. Repeat for all eight holes.

4. Place paper on easel and begin creating!

Bathtub Fingerpaint Recipe

Materials:

½ cup boiling water

2 tablespoons corn starch

6 tablespoons cold water

Food coloring

Dish soap (adding a few drops of dish soap to any paint helps in the laundry later)

3 containers with lids

1. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water

2. Add mixture to boiling water and stir constantly until it becomes glossy.

3. Remove from heat and pour in containers.

4. Add food coloring and stir.

Laura Elson is a Westerly-based early childhood teacher and artist. Her column appears monthly. She can be reached at exploreexpresscreate@yahoo.com