Encourage artistic expression and the development of small motor skills with a fun sensory finger painting experience. Let students explore different smells, tastes and textures by providing a variety of substances for students to use as finger paint. Pudding and flavored gelatin make excellent finger paint that students can taste and smell, and that feels different because it is cold. Alternatively, add food coloring to water and freeze into cubes; let students move the cubes across the paper to create designs.
Plan a fun art activity that also builds your students' small motor skills. Gather different kinds of cereal that feature interesting textures, shapes and colors. Set out the cereal on a table and provide students with sturdy paper and glue. Invite students to glue the cereal onto the paper. Show students how to break or crush the cereal to create new shapes and textures.
Create an art center that is ready for students to use whenever they wish. Include paper in different sizes, colors and textures. Provide markers, crayons, colored pencils and chalk. In addition, include paints, paintbrushes and finger paints and space to work, perhaps with an easel. Feathers, pompoms and beads will foster your students' artistic creativity. Let students work on art projects whenever they choose. As they work, ask leading questions about what they are making and why. At the end of the play session, give students an opportunity to share their work of art with the class, recommends Early Childhood News.
Developmentally appropriate art projects for preschool students should focus on exploration, according to Early Childhood News. Develop a fun exploratory art project by planning a nature walk. Give each student a bag or box to collect items they find during your walk, like leaves, small rocks, interesting plants or moss. As you explore, talk about the items you encounter. Later, let students use the items they collected to create a nature collage. Provide students with thick, sturdy paper to make their collage. In addition, provide small shoe boxes or other empty containers that students can cover. Provide glue and additional art supplies for students to personalize their collage.