Being a kid can be tough. Heck, being a human can be tough. Everyone needs a little encouragement that they’ve totally “got this” from time to time. These positive affirmations for kids come in the form of printable notes (throw ’em in a lunchbox ) and a poster that remind your kids you know they can do it!
Thaumatrope; what a deceptively simple name for such a simple little toy. Say it with me “thaw -ma-trope.” These toys are super simple two sided precursors to modern animation. A thaumatrope has a different image on each side. When spun rapidly the two images give the impression of blending into one. It’s kind of like ice age animation. It’s simple but also a little magic.
Is playtime only important to young children? At what age does playing stop being an acceptable way to learn? Playtime doesn’t need to be relegated to the youngest of kids or be limited to a twelve minute recess after lunch. Play counts, no matter your age. Check out these quotes about play as a way to remind you and your tribe that play is a big deal!
Building structures is something kids innately enjoy. Think of the hours spent on Lego’s, blocks, and Lincoln logs. Building is fun and satisfying. Now we’re going to replace the blocks with straws, yes, straws. These fun, sculptures for kids come together super quickly due to their construction with just pipe cleaners and straws. That’s all ya’ need!
The thing I love most about this “talking and writing about art” series is that it makes art history super available. Want to introduce an artist to your class or to your own kiddos at home? Everything you need is right here to get started. Dive right into this Mary Cassatt for kids lesson now!
Art Appreciation, For Teachers
The Art of the Sandwich- A Gentle Introduction to Art Criticism for Kids
Art criticism is the discussion or evaluation of visual art. Evaluating art can be rough when we’re trying to convince kids to let go of their inhibitions and enjoy making for the sake of making. Evaluation and judgement can be harsh words. Use this free printable to gently introduce art criticism for kids in terms of the “art sandwich.”
When you think about visiting you local art museum with kids what images does that conjure up for you? Maybe a sweaty anxious mom worried that my kids are too loud, my kids don’t know proper etiquette, my kids might topple a priceless work of art. It’s a panicky world I live in, I know. Use these free printable museum activities for kids to make your visit stress free and fun!
If you read Kitchen Table Classroom often you know I adore turning trash into treasure. I love the idea of showing kids that anything can be art and I love not spending money to make stuff. Free art experiences are hard to beat. Using empty toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes to create a recycled sculpture is a fun and easy way to learn about building up.
Merriam Webster defines synonyms for creativity as cleverness, imaginativeness, giftedness, inventiveness, and originality, to name a few. Yes, that. That’s who I wanna be. The antonyms of creativity are dryness and dullness. Boo. Who would choose that? Use these free creativity quotes to remind you and your people not to take life too seriously, take risks, and think outside the box!