Wanting to add some craft fun into our daily routine this summer, I picked up a used copy of Around the World Art & Activities: Visiting the 7 Continents Through Craft Fun .

I was drawn (no pun intended) to the idea of learning more about world cultures and their arts and crafts and it seemed like a great way to give some structure to our mornings. I’d assemble our materials and then we’d come to the table and sing through …

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Since toddlers often get in trouble for making messes, I think it’s fun to give them some activities where messiness is not only part of the package, it’s encouraged! The occasional romp in the dirt and some puddle splashing are just delights for children (even if they are not always so delightful for parents). So, here’s a classic homemade messy craft experiment that’s reasonably easy to clean up. Goop!
The recipe is simple–1 part cornstarch : 2 parts water. I found …

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All right. Here’s another lovely little art experience from this book:

First Art : Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos by MaryAnn F. Kohl.
Since I already reviewed the book in my last post, let’s get right to the fun stuff: Ice cube color theory! The book’s version of this activity is a bit more complex and has several variations. I chose to keep it to the very basics for now.
Let me start by saying, this project has been a major hit. …

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This week, we’ve started having art time every afternoon. It’s a great way to spend time together and teaches so many things: the joy of manipulating colors and mediums, the endless possibilities found in artistic expression, and patience (if you happen to be a mommy like me who gets a bit anxious about paint-covered toddler hands), just to name a few.
This is our lovely guide book:
Please ignore the funky shadows. Amateur photographer in residence.

First Art : Art Experiences for Toddlers …

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I have a confession to make. Up until last month, I’d never heard of or read Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon. Can you believe it? I guess it’s possible that it was read to me as a child. I’ll have to ask my mom about that one. Can you believe his name was Crockett? I kind of love it. Definitely has character.
About a month ago, I ordered this fantastic treasury, HarperCollins Treasury of Picture Book Classics: A Child’s …

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