these wild days

How To Raise Artists

Create an art area that invites children to work with a variety of materials.

Start with access to different types and sizes of paper.

Also offer a basket of scrap paper as well as recycled art projects. Encourage children to reuse/repurpose paper whenever possible.

Include a good mix of drawing utensils--markers, pencils, crayons, etc. Feel free to limit choices and rotate every so often.

Teach children how to set up for painting projects by having all of the necessary materials within reach e.g. paints, palettes, brushes, water cups, etc.

Offer tools and jars of homemade or store bought play dough for a more tactile creative experience.

Finally, include a basket of miscellaneous materials such as different types of string, fabric, even items that you may have thrown away.

Let children explore the materials as they please. This area should be about the journey, not the destination!