More time spent at home, routines upended, I see my kids enjoying the freedom to play but also PROCESSING through play all the changes.
Whether you have a dedicated playroom, a shelf in the kitchen, or a corner in their bedroom, room for open ended play and to create and make messes allows space for kids to process the ever changing world around them.
Read MorePicasso said “everyone is an artist” and I believe it, because creating really boils down to the process more so than the end result. We are using our bodies to to process the world around us, the joy and the pain. We are testing and imagining and failing and trying again and using all of our senses to experience color, texture, smell.
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Making space for creating is a high priority for me. It's an opportunity to sort through different materials, try and fail and try again, make sense of the world and process, very much like building with blocks that aren’t in a set, or having unstructured playtime.
But don’t be overwhelmed if you don’t consider yourself artistic - just like Picasso said, “everyone is an artist”.
A few basic supplies (and the recycling bin!!) can make for hours of creativity over the years, and is a great option on rainy or snowy days.
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Plain Paper {or anything from the recycling bin} - I prefer paper over coloring/activity books. Give a blank slate to make something their own is a lovely process to watch unfold.
Markers/Crayons/Paint - for coloring all.the.things
Glue (glue stick for little hands)
Scissors
Honestly, these 4 items are all you need. BUT! If you want some options for your crafty peeps, these are items that we rotate through, and make great stocking or Easter basket stuffers too!
5. Embellishments - pom poms, ribbon, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, buttons, scrap fabric, tissue paper, stickers. (But, for the love, stay away from glitter, ha!) You only need to pull out a couple at a time and using thsee are great for fine motor skill practice!