Art is best brought out in the afternoon when energy is low and the heat is high.
Most children will engage in art if given the right opportunities. I tend to collect the art through the week and then give it all to the parent at the end.
Nature Journal Covers
Supplies: Cardboard, nature magazines/images, glue sticks, art sticks, scissors, yarn, hole punch
Bark Rubbing
Supplies: art sticks or crayons, paper, trees
Leaf Rubbing
Supplies: art sticks or crayons, paper, leaves
Make sure this activity is preceded with a conversation about asking and honoring plants as well as plant identification so no one picks a rare or poisonous plant.
Tree Cookie Rubbing
Supplies: tree cookie that has been treated, art sticks, large paper
Insect Rubbing
Supplies: art sticks, insect plates, paper
Leaf Bracelets/Necklaces
Supplies: string or yarn, hole punch or pencil
Rock Painting
Supplies: art sticks, paint pens
Beading
Supplies: beads, pipe cleaners,
Journey Sticks
Supplies: embroidery thread, ribbon, crazy glue, rubber bands, paint pens, tape
Bubble Painting
Supplies: cardstock or paper, food coloring, bubbles, straws, 8-10 milk caps
Bird Tracing
Supplies: cardboard outlines, field guides or bird photos, pencil crayons
Guided Drawing
Supplies: clipboards, paper, pencils, erasers
This can be helpful for hesitant and new artists.
You can choose to show your drawing as a visual aid or to just describe what you’d like them to do.