playvolutionHQ Logo

Creating & Curating Collections Of Early Learning Resources

Playvolution HQ


Join Mailing List

Messy Art With Infants And Toddlers?

This week’s question:

Messy Art With Infants And Toddlers?

Katrina

For infants and toddlers, creative art experiences are all about the process of sensory exploration. Such experiences are an important part of their development.

When infants first interact with their environment, they do not have words to describe what they encounter, but they do absorb information through their senses.

Infants use their senses to explore the world around them. Their visual tracking, physical movements, and attempts to speak are reflective of brain development taking place.

Engage all your infant’s senses with open-ended process art activities. Your goal should be to enjoy the process of making art versus the creation of a finished project.

Art with infants and young toddlers can be messy, but this creates a wonderful opportunity for tactile experiences, developing hand eye coordination, and fine motor skills.

What may look like a mess on the surface is truly a learning experience for your child. 

The idea of messy art experiences may seem daunting at first, but there are many benefits to messy play.

We know that play is the work of the child. This is true for children of all ages, but especially for infants and young toddlers.

Try not to be intimidated by messy art play. Keep a bucket of warm soapy water and washcloths nearby. You can cover and protect surfaces with drop cloths or newspaper. 

Embrace messy art and remember; Children are 100% washable! 

Stay Updated

Receive regular play, professional development, and caregiver self-care updates.

Author

Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author and the founder of Explorations Early Learning and Playvolution HQ.

Thanks To Our Patrons

This post was made possible by patrons like these, who generously fund our work:

Supporters

Lissadell Greene      Stephanie Goloway

Lagina Kozak      Michelle Hankins

Fans

Jen Flemming      Lizz Nolasco

Susan Warner      Kelly Sigalove

Vittoria Jimerson      Codee Gilbert

Monica Morrell      Pam Soloman      Melissa Franklin

Teresa Watson      Erika Felt

Melissa Taylor      Jahmeela Robinson

Amber Maurina      Terra Calamari

Lagina Kozak      Samantha Yeager-Cheevers

Elizebeth McCoy      Sammy Cousens      Ellen Cogan

Explore Membership Options


Play Haven

Join Play Haven


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Don`t copy text!