Giveaway: Art Box

 I have a chance to give away an amazing art box! Creator Kimberly Bavington, creator of Art Classes for Kids, has these tips to share for having fun fall art experiences with your kids. She also has a great Fall Art Box available!

I specialize in teaching kids ages 5-12 years old. I often receive inquiries about doing art with toddlers. I only taught toddlers for a few years when my twins were at the toddler age. It had its challenges, mostly it was hard for parents to be consistent with a weekly class because often times their kids nap times weren’t consistent or their toddler was catching another seasonal cold/flu.  Once the 2-4 year olds were in my environment and depending on their age, they had about a 15 minute attention span to one thing before they needed movement, so we would have 3 small projects with 5 minute movement breaks in between. It started as a mommy-n-me type of class at my home studio, but then I received lots of requests from parents to come to their homes as they could gather 3 to 4 kids in their neighborhood that wanted to do art for their kids as long as they didn’t have to drive anywhere.  Once there, It was just myself with the kids as that was the time the mom’s wanted a break and to talk to each other about the mommy challenges of their day or week. Lots of cool art was made, kids had fun, learned about new materials and even about new artists and mommies got a break.

When you sense that your toddler is ready for an art lesson or art activity, realize that at that age they have a short attention span to activities and are in an exploring/discovery phase of learning about art. Don’t expect them to begin to make recognizable drawings just yet. At that age most toddlers use art as a sensory activity and have the ability to build their skills through a sensory activity. Check to see if your community offers any art classes specifically for toddlers and if not, gather a group of toddlers and moms and create your own weekly art class. I suggest taking turns at participants homes and making 2 to 3 15 minute projects per class. If you can hold your lesson outside, it may be easier for clean up and during a pandemic of course better for the fresh air. If your looking for projects, there are loads online to choose from on Pinterest and many mommy blogs or even check out my YouTube channel for a few (YouTube.com/artclassesforkids.com). If your kids are 1 or 2 years old, I suggest simply setting aside a place in your home where your little one is allowed to make a mess. Having a little easel or craft table gives them their own space to explore materials. Rotating the art supplies in that area, can make things seem new each time they go back to their creative sanctuary. I suggest placing a mat or drop cloth underneath to protect your flooring.  

My last suggestion is for babies who want to try some art. I suggest taping paper to the inside of an empty bathtub and setting cups of non-toxic paint (or paint with colorful creamy foods) in it with a brush or two along with your baby (they most likely will want to use their fingers). Set your baby in only a diaper in the tub and just let your child “go at it!”.  Once the child has lost their attention span to that paint activity, take out the masterpieces they made on paper and set aside to dry. Then wash out the tub and baby all in one go!

If you want to enter for a chance to win an art box of your own, leave a comment by October 20th with your favorite tip for doing art with kids!