Hello Olivia and Greetings from St.Thomas Virgin Islands! When I moved here 37 years ago, I began a fabulous career as a Preschool Instructor. Many times my toddler group would get to interact with those siblings who were younger. Me, being an Arts Enthusiast since about 2 years old, loved the opportunities where we'd do group art activities. Art is an excellent way to help even babies begin to develop their Pre-Writing , Fine Motor , and Eye-Hand Coordination skill, as well as teach colors, shapes and textures recognition in a fun and informal way. The main thing is that the adult in charge must remain vigilant. The younger the child, it seems the more they like to taste everything. So, I used to put the youngest kids directly in front of me, or pair them up with an older, more mature "partner" who'd echo all of my reminders . Here's a few fun activities. Have a Paper Tearing Party. Every child gets to tear up paper of all different colors and textures. Put it in the middle of the table , or even the floor. When you give the signal all kids form a group circle around the pile of paper, then they each get to pick up 10 pieces. Then you put dots of glue all over a large sheet of white, black or any color paper you choose. They get to use both hands designing their creation using the torn up paper bits. This can be a wonderful open-ended, non-graded fun activity. Then you can use various other recyclables to do similar art activities. You can cut rolls from paper towels or toilet paper( can you believe craft stores are selling these rolls as "craft rolls" for lost of money?) Let the toddlers practice their cutting skills to cut up the rolls. Then let them color the rolls in their favorite colors. Then they can glue them to a discarded box panel the way they did the paper. Another thing that's fun to do is use the cut rolls to make jewelry. You can also get a box of assorted colors drinking straws cut them up into safe lengths ,too big to swallow. And let the kids, even 13month olds lace the pieces to make jewelry. Now , if you want them to make edible art, Cheerios, Fruit Loops, and Assorted Flavors Life Savers are the Best, hands down!
Another easy, 10-15 minute activity which all of my students loved was Sticker Art. Just get a whole assortment of all different kinds of stickers. Take long strips of poster board, say like the Sentence Strips. Let each child pick about 15-20 stickers. Let them color their poster board as they wish. Then decorate it with their stickers. Then after wards, make it a headband, and have either a "Fashion Show" or a Class "Parade" for kids to wear their creation. Now, over these past 37 years, I've done all of the mentioned activities for ages 13months through 16years old, even for kids parties, baby sitting, Summer Camp, tutorial, and even before Covid 19 struck, I occasionally return to schools as Volunteer Guest to organize Recess Activities Clubs for elementary schools. So, trust me, all of these Art activities for our youngest learners are tried and true. Let me know if they work for you too!
JoAnne Saunders, St,Thomas, USVI
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JoAnne Saunders
St.Thomas
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-21-2020 11:10 PM
From: OLIVIA Nelson-Green
Subject: Art for 13mos. Pre- toddlers during covid
the new changes during this covid season needs adjusting making a lesson plan is nearly impossible. For infants.. any one with any ideas
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OLIVIA Nelson-Green
Lead Cypa
Fortsill CDC
Lawton OK
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