Celebrate Mother’s Day by spending some quality time with your child. This article outlines some simple art based activities that can be a fun treat for any parent and young child. The activities include are targeted towards the preschool age child, but can easily be adapted for a younger (toddler age) or older (grade school age) child. Before you begin, make sure that all materials used are labeled for your child's age and are non-toxic.
Parent-Child Handprints
All you will need for this art adventure is a sheet of paper, washable tempera paint, a paint brush, and two hands (one parent, one child).
- Take turns painting each other's hand.
- Place the painted hands onto the paper pressing firmly.
- Optional: Try painting each other's hands a different color. For example, red for mom and blue for the child. Press them onto the paper overlapping, in a holding hands form. See what happens when the two colors mix together in the middle.
- Try creating different patterns in each work of art. This can be done multiple times.
Parent-Child Clay Play
Use store bought clay for this activity, or try a make your own recipe. Many clay or play dough recipes are freely available on the Internet. Use search terms such as play dough recipe, craft recipes, or clay recipe.
- Brainstorm ideas for a clay creation.
- Find a subject matter that both parent and child can agree upon.
- Build!
- Add texture with clay tools, or embellish with glitter.
Draw Each Other's Portraits
This activity requires two pieces of paper and a writing tool. Use crayons, markers, or pencils.
- The parent and child should find a comfortable work space, and sit across from each other.
- Observe the face and facial expression.
- Take turns drawing each other.
- Try creating silly pictures and adding funny smiles, more than two eyes, or animal ears.
Parent-Child Book
Connect art and early literacy. Make a book together that reflects mom’s special day.
- Fold together several pieces of drawing or construction paper. These can be bound either by stapling them together or using a hole punch and yarn to sew the sides.
- Take turns drawing special pictures for each other.
- Write a short story together to go with the pictures. Ask your child for ideas and help him or her to write a few simple words.
Mother’s Day is a great time to spend quality time creating fanciful art. Simple materials and a little imagination will get this day off to a truly special start. Try one or all of these activities with your child.
