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Getting crafty with your toddler

How art allows kids to explore colours and shapes and use their imagination.

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Originally published in Today's Parent November 2009

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My grandson Xavier, almost two, loves to do crafts — but his favourite canvas is his own body. Give him paints and paper and most of the paint will end up on his hands, face, tummy and any other body parts he can access.

Stickers, he feels, are most attractive when stuck on his arms, legs and belly. And glitter? Well, we end up with a very sparkly little boy.

While older children often produce charming items to frame and enjoy, toddlers’ crafts are a little different. Linda Gregson, an instructor in the early childhood education department at Douglas College in New Westminster, BC, explains: “I do think exploring art is an important thing to do with young children, but I wouldn’t call the experience ‘crafts’ because that suggests a finished product.”

So, with a focus on the process rather than the product, Gregson offers suggestions for easy first craft activities. Read on for the suggestions.

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