5 Simple Jump Starts to Creativity

     Art provides little ones of all ages with a forum to express their feelings─ and a new way to develop their thinking skills.  These practical tips will enable you to nurture your child’s budding creativity, even when they’re still in toddler sizes!

1.        Stock up on age-appropriate materials─ Shop for nonhazardous glues, swatches of fabric (not too small, since they might end up in someone’s mouth!), construction paper, paints and crayons.  Just the right side for you budding Picasso’s hands, My First Crayola’s new line of crayons, markers and stampers are a perfect start for your little one’s budding creativity.  The crayons, markers and stampers are in the shape of adorable animal characters, and feature rounded holders that are easy for your little one to grip and create away!  Affordably priced at $4.99 for each set, you can check out these latest products from Crayola (http://www.) at Target, Michaels and Wal-Mart’s nationwide.

2.       Make it easy to access─ Store all your art goodies in bins and baskets that you and your little one can color-coordinate together.  Alex’s My Wall Easel™  (retailing for $65.95) not only provides convenient multi-colored storage cups to hold paint and supplies, it can easily turn any drab wall into a workspace area for your little one’s.  With no assembly required, the Alex My Wall Easel’s ™mounting system makes it very simple to install it on your wall in a matter of minutes.  Visit the Alex website to find a store near you http://www.alextoys.com/store_locator

3.       Give them space and good lighting─ Make sure your child’s arts and crafts area has adequate lighting for little eyes.

4.       Displays, display, display─ Kids will soon see that their work is important to you and to the family.  Don’t just relegate their creations to the fridge: consider keeping a special scrapbook devoted to each child’s designs, or use a spare wall for posting.  Purchase magnetic clipboards or large frames so that you can easily interchange creations.

5.       Remember the power of praise─ Children need encouragement, recognition and appreciation in all aspects of their life and art is no exception.  By praising their creative efforts, you’re encouraging them to express themselves and share their thoughts with others.