Need something to keep kids creative in this up-and-down weather? Use these 4 ideas

This paid piece is sponsored by Truks-N-Trykes NurseryCare.

As the weather becomes nicer and nicer, we all start to get a bit more restless. Especially the smallest members of our families. Bri McCarty with Truks-N-Trykes NurseryCare is a huge fan of process and child-led art and gave us a few ideas of things that you can do to incorporate it into your life at home.

“It’s not about having a cute handprint made into a puppy; it is about them taking charge in the process and developing self-expression and problem-solving skills.” McCarty said. “We limit our staff on the number of ‘cute’ projects they can do. Those are fun for the scrapbook, but the kids get much more from the child-led projects instead.”

Tissue paper branches

“I love the simplicity of this,” McCarty said. “Almost every household has these things, and the kids have fun as well as work on fine motor skills and creativity.”

Things you need:

• A stick (I would recommend one that is about 1-1 1/2 feet.)
• Glue
• Tissue paper

Steps:

1. Take tissue paper, and cut it up into small pieces. If your child has the ability, you can have them tear the paper into small pieces to get even more practice with fine motor skills.
2. Take the glue, and apply it to the top half of the stick. If your child is older, allow them the opportunity to do this.
3. Have your child take the pieces of paper and glue them to top of the stick.

The simplicity of this activity makes it the perfect activity while you are preparing supper, doing a load of laundry or checking a few work emails.

Flower painting

“We embrace the mess at NurseryCare, so a lot of our activities involve paint,” McCarty said. “The kids enjoy the cause and effect by mixing it, the texture in their hands and watching their masterpiece come to life.”

Things you need:

• Flower (real or rake)
• Paint (as many or as few colors as you would like)
• Canvas or a piece of paper

Steps:

1. Grab the flower, and show your child how to dip it into the paint.
2. Show your child the different effects when you plop the flower versus when you brush it across the paper.

If your child likes to plop the flower, it makes a great stamp. Grab an array of flowers, and let them see the different prints they can make.

Rain painting

April showers bring May flowers, and with this activity, the showers bring out more vibrant colors. “This is another great activity because you need two things that every house has,” McCarty said.

Things you need:

• Paper towel
• Markers
• Water (Spray bottle preferred)

Steps:

1. Lay a paper towel out on a clean, dry surface.
2. Let your little one take the markers and color on the paper towel. Encourage the child to put a generous amount of color on the sheet.
3. Once the kiddo has finished coloring, you will want to apply the water.
4. Ensure the whole sheet is entirely wet.
5. You can let your kiddo wipe the table, let it dry or whatever he or she chooses.

As the water is hitting the paper towel, explain that the color is moving and is popping more. You can discuss what color is which, and if your child can understand, you can talk about what happens when the colors mix.

Petal art

Fresh flowers are an amazing benefit of spring. “We love to incorporate anything involving nature into the program,” McCarty said. With this activity, the kids can preserve the beauty of a flower.

Things you need:

• Fresh flowers
• Contact paper or laminating sheets

Steps:

1. Allow your child to pluck the petals from the flower and place them in a pile.
2. Have the child place the petals however he or she wants on the contact paper or laminating sheet, noting whether it’s an organized pattern or if the preference is for a giant pile of chaos.
3. Once your kiddo has placed the petals, you can stick another sheet on top, creating an airtight space. If you used a laminating sheet, you will want to ensure the petals are as flat as possible and nothing is hanging outside of the edges before inserting it in the laminator.

When you are doing this activity, talk to your child about what he or she feels. Are the petals soft or rough? Is the pollen sticky or gritty? What does the pollen do? Use it as an opportunity to let the child learn something.

Would your kids enjoy child care with an approach to activities like this? Truks-N-Trykes NurseryCare is expanding with a new center on its popular east-side campus. Click below to learn more about choosing your next child care provider.

12 questions to ask before choosing a child care provider