art and reading extras for kids
book parts
shelve it
lightening librarian
homemade scratchboards
Materials: copy paper , crayons, black paint , hand soap, toothpick/pointed scratching tool
Color a piece of copy paper (paper plate/cardboard/etc) into sections with crayons. Color each section as hard as you can; leave no white spaces.
Mix black tempera paint (Dollar Tree) with a little hand soap and cover all the crayon. You can also cover with a black crayon if you don't have paint.
Let it dry completely OR you can take a toothpick or skewer and draw on the wet paint. ( You can use anything that has a point)
Make up your own drawing or find a drawing guide to copy. The scratching tool will show all the color underneath! The more scratches the more colorful!
happy sticks
Pick up sticks while you're outside. Paint with craft paint to make a colorful bouquet, wall hanging, etc.
block drawings
Build a structure out of blocks. Draw your stucture onto paper and color. How many buildings can you draw on one page?
yarn bombing
You can yarn bomb anything. Sticks are fun, but what else can you think of? (click the pic to see the link)
floral art
Nature is full of art. Press flowers & leaves in a heavy book. Use those pressed flowers in pictures or decoupage (glue) them onto glass.
homemade clay
Kids LOVE clay! Try this recipe. Let them sculpt, dry, and paint!PS: This website has loads of fun art ideas to try at home.
homemade playdough
Ingredients1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup water2 teaspoons cream of tartar1/3 cup salt1 tablespoon vegetable oilfood coloringInstructionsMix together all the ingredients in a 2-quart saucepan.
Cook over low/medium heat, stirring. Continue stirring until the mixture is thickened and begins to gather around the spoon.Remove the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool.NotesCool completely before storing in a ziplock bag or sealed container.
Cook over low/medium heat, stirring. Continue stirring until the mixture is thickened and begins to gather around the spoon.Remove the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool.NotesCool completely before storing in a ziplock bag or sealed container.
homemade watercolors
This works with any dried up or drying-up markers. Just set several like colored marker tips in a small bit of water overnight or for a day or two. Store in an airtight container.