Art. It’s the word that strikes joy into the heart of every child- and fear into the heart of every parent. So what are some open ended art activities for preschoolers- and kids of all ages- that won’t make you crazy?
The answer comes in two parts. First, there’s the fact that repeated exposure to art will make kidsĀ less likely to create a mess in the first place. But secondly? It’s one of those things that we just have to pull on our big girl panties and try.
I get it as much as the next parent. I mean, after all, I’m the moron that painted my living room walls with MATTE PAINT. I live in fear of the day one of our art projects makes an unremovable stain on our walls.
But still. I do them anyways.
Open ended art projects for preschoolers give them the chance to experiment, not only creatively but with risk taking as well. Process art for kids helps with improved focus, choice making, self regulation, and even early literacy skills (Source). It’s CRUCIAL that we get art into the hands of our kids- even when it makes us uncomfortable.
So whether you’re looking to play it safe (like with our wet chalk art or collage ideas), or are willing to take a little more risk yourself (like with our baking soda drop art or cork painting), we’ve got the open ended art projects your preschoolers, toddlers, and kids are craving.