As a parent, I’ve observed the powerful hold that tech toys, video games and cell phones have on children. I’m a big believer in balance, and so I have developed a list of low tech ideas that will engage your child in fun, inspired play. These types of activities give your children the power of imagination, which is wonderfully rewarding!
1. Create arty fruits and veggies~ who says eating healthy has to be boring? Your child can make edible art, offering creative fun that is also tasty! Consider making a butterfly.
Edible art is creative, fun and a healthy treat!
Provide slices of apple in a bowl; gather some baby carrots (look for long and thin pieces) provide some blackberries or another favorite berry, and finally, cut up a bowl of thinly sliced, short celery sticks. You might wish to offer some embellishments, such as dried cherries (shown) that can decorate the apple wings. Arrange the edible insect using the photo as a guide.
2. Sculpt a pinch pot~ this is an activity for all ages, and it’s easy to make! In fact, this is a great activity for your children because it helps to develop fine motor skills and muscles in the hand. All you need is some air-drying clay, such as Model Magic. A pinch pot is
Colorful pinch pots are easy to make and offer lots of clever uses!
small, and so you do not need a large amount of clay. Your child can choose to make a little pot in any color, and when it’s done, your child will enjoy adding artful design to his/her creation. Get started by rolling a palm-full of clay into a ball. Once the ball is nicely shaped, cradle the clay ball into your palm and press your thumb into the center. Note that some modeling clay will require more effort to shape. Once the initial dent in the center is made, then you gently squeeze thumb along with index and middle fingers, working the inside and outside as you expand the center. As you press and smooth in a circle, you will soon see the small pot as it takes shape. Make sure the wall of the pot is not too thin. Finally, you can simply draw a pencil design on the interior and/or exterior, or you can paint it in any color you like!
Creative storyboard by Nicole, age 12
3. Sketch a storyboard ~ Kids love to use their imaginations, and they all have stories to tell. A storyboard is a way to outline ideas using mostly images. Whether your child imagines a new video game concept, a children’s picture book with favorite items or simply wants to tell a story using mostly images, this is an activity that promotes visual literacy, creativity and self-expression. Your child can use a large art pad and experiment with image-mapping. Alternately, your child may enjoy using plain note cards to shape pictures into an expressive piece. Provide your child with pencils, colored pencils, crayons and/or thin markers. Give your child lots of space to spread out and work. Start with conversation. “Tell me about your idea. How do you think you want to create your main image?” For a younger child, you may wish to suggest shapes that will help him/her get underway.
A soccer, music and Star Wars fan, six-year old Luke Kohler was not too enthusiastic when he found out that his mom Jill enrolled him in Abrakadoodle art class. He did not see himself as the arty type. As his classes progressed, Luke was surprised to discover that he liked art. In class, he mastered new art techniques and learned about different artists, art forms and styles. Luke checked out art books from the school library and created art all the time.
During first grade, Luke’s world was turned upside down with a diagnosis of type one Juvenile Diabetes. While he was hospitalized at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Luke was approached about submitting artwork for the Jos. A. Banks “Miracle Tie” contest. His winning entry that year was entitled, “Santa Delivers.” A line of silk neckties inspired by Luke and several other pediatric patients was unveiled at the 12th annual “Tie into a Miracle” fashion show.
Fast forward and now Luke is 10 ½ and in fifth grade. He has discovered some new passions, such as ice hockey and playing electric guitar. Art empowered Luke, earned him recognition, helped him make a positive and lasting impact on his community and gave him great personal satisfaction then and now. What kind of opportunities might await your child?
Abrakadoodle art education continues collecting children’s art from around the world as part of its Kids’ Imagination Project – a global creativity campaign. This year’s theme is “Imagine.” The postcard art shown is from (above, left – art by Manuel, age 10 of Lisbon, Portugal entitled, “Let’s Change the World!” (below, right – art by Jaeden, age 9 of Grand Rapids, Michigan USA entitled, “Jump Over Tree.” (bottom, left – art by Aidan, age 3.5 of Los Angeles, CA.
pen-mindedness, tolerance and an appreciation for a wide range of artistic styles are just a few of the benefits from participation in a quality art program.
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