Provide a well-stocked and attractive arts center for preschoolers. Items that should be included are various papers, scissors, glue, paints, markers, crayons, clay, stickers, old magazines, chalk, fabric scraps, buttons and glitters.
Demonstrate some basic art projects and techniques, but try to stick to open-ended activities to allow children the most freedom of expression. If participating in free play in the art center, consider only offering a handful of options at a time to avoid overwhelming the children with too many choices.
Integrate creative arts into the curriculum. If the unit being studied is ocean life, have the class paint a wall mural depicting an undersea scene. Children can cut out and paste fish shapes onto a sheet of construction paper. They could sing fish themed songs, or dance around the room pretending to be dolphins. Children could be taught how to crab walk then listen to whale songs while coloring pictures of whales, for instance.
Display children's artwork in the classroom, in classroom webpages or newspapers, and in community spaces. This acknowledges a child's achievements and validates their creative expression.
Take children to local art museums or studios to view art work or artists at work. Keep the visit short and focus on only a few pieces at a time so children don't get distracted and overwhelmed. Some art museums have special areas for children to recreate some type of art work or have special tours just for youngsters. Also consider attending plays, musicals or dance productions that are geared to preschoolers.