Art for Toddlers

Art for the adult is considered "self-expression." It can be a way to express one's feelings, or perhaps for the one appreciating it, a way to look at the world through the artist's eye. Toddlers tend to do art for different reasons. A toddler often witnesses cause and effect instead of trying to make "something." Sometimes, at around three years old, you will notice a child making more deliberate, intentional marks on their paper. Often you will see circles emerging. Their art usually progresses from here to stick figures and so on. It's fun to watch your child's progression. It's also fun to keep a record of that change. Parents may keep all their children's paintings and then pass them on to them when they become adults.  

Here's a clutter-free way to enjoy your children's masterpieces. It's called rock painting. This is something I do with my nephews. But, it is fun for the whole family. You can create your rock garden outside that everyone can enjoy every day. If you look on the internet, you will see many examples of adults and children that want to make "something." However, the best part about Rock Art is that whatever is painted on the rock is art!  

How to do rock painting: 

1. Buy some paintbrushes and acrylic paints. Ensure you purchase various thicknesses of paintbrushes, including a fine-tipped one. 
2. Take a trip to the ocean to find some smooth rocks. This makes for a good, easy painting surface. Get extra rocks for future painting dates. (This is something great to do on a rainy day.) 
3. Wash and dry the rocks thoroughly. (Children love to help in this process!) 
4. Find an area to paint that can get messy with paint all over, and let the fun begin! 

When the masterpieces are complete, sign and date the bottom of the rocks. Adults will seal the rocks with a waterproof sealer when the paint is dry.  

I have all my family's rocks in our garden. My nephews enjoy turning them over each year to see how old they were when they made them. I hope your family takes the time to enjoy doing something like rock painting together.

-Butterfly Teacher