Paint Art

• PreschoolExpress.com has some good ideas when it comes to painting with pre-kindergartners. For painting activities, some all-time favorites include sponge painting, Hole-in-One painting, watercolor painting and straw painting. Before doing any painting, cover a table with newspaper for easy clean-up. It is also useful to use washable paint whenever you can.
  
  To sponge paint, set out a piece of paper. Fill 2 to 3 trays up with paint. Allow kids to dip sponges into the paint and then stamp them on their paper. You can use pre-cut sponges found at most craft stores.
  
  To do Hole-in-One painting, cut a hole in a piece of paper and allow the child to paint on the paper. Some kids incorporate the hole into their painting, while others ignore it completely.
  
  Watercolor painting is very easy. Set out a piece of paper, a tray of watercolors and a small cup of water with brushes. Show the child how to dip the brush in the water, into a color, then onto their paper.
  
  Straw painting is a fun activity that needs to be supervised. Set out a piece of paper. With the child sitting in front of the paper, pour a small amount of paint onto the paper. Have the child use a straw to blow air through it onto the paint. The paint will move with the air and create designs on the paper.
  
  It is always a good idea to show the children how to do an art activity before starting. It is also helpful to have an example for each activity.
  
  

Glue Art

• Glue art involves using glue to stick items onto a piece of paper or object. There are many activities you can do using glue. PreschoolExpress.com has several good ideas, such as shell art, tissue paper art, and sand art.
  
  To do shell art, place a piece of paper or a piece of cardboard onto a table. Allow the child to glue shells onto it. They can make a picture or they can make a design using the shells.
  
  Tissue paper art is a fun, colorful activity for kids. Tear several pieces of tissue up into pieces. Allow the child to brush diluted glue (2 parts glue, 1 part water) onto a clear plastic cup. Stick pieces of colorful tissue to the cup. When it is dry, punch a small hole in the bottom, sting some yarn through and hang it up where the sun can shine through.
  
  For sand art, you may choose to use colored sand sold at most craft stores. The child squeezes glue all over a thick piece of paper, then sprinkles sand over the wet glue. Shake off the excess and encourage the child to feel the texture of their design.
  
  

Food Art

• Food art is usually very popular with pre-kindergartner's. PreschoolExpress.com has some very creative idea's when it comes to what they call "kitchen art." Activities such as paper flowers, napkin tie-dye, and cereal necklaces are loads of fun for everyone involved.
  
  To make paper flowers, give the child a piece of paper and 2 paper baking cups. Allow them to flatten the cups and glue them to the paper. Give them 2 more cups, only this time do not flatten them. Glue them on top of the flattened cups. Have the child use crayons to add a stem and leaves. The picture is meant to look like a daffodil.
  
  For napkin tie-dye, give the child a white napkin. Fold it in half 2 to 3 times. Allow them to dips parts of the folded napkin into bowls of diluted food coloring. Open the napkin back up and allow it to dry.
  
  To make a cereal necklace, each child needs a piece of yarn about 18 inches long. Wrap a small piece of tape around one end to make a needle. Have kids slide round cereal onto the yarn, then tie the ends together to make an edible necklace.