Preschoolers can make a simple sculpture from toothpicks and marshmallows. Give each child a paper plate labeled with their name. Open boxes of toothpicks and set them within reach. Pour two or three bags of white or rainbow colored miniature marshmallows on the table. Let the children stick marshmallows on the ends of the toothpicks to make geometric shapes, structures and free-form sculptures. Two or three year old preschoolers won't poke themselves with the pointy toothpicks if you bring in a sack of pretzel sticks for their sculptures. Send the sculptures home on the labeled paper plates.
Take paints, paper and brushes outside and inspire your preschoolers to paint a picture of their surroundings. Attach pieces of sturdy white construction paper to a chain link fence with clothespins, or to a panel fence with masking tape. Use washable paints, available at craft or discount department stores to avoid staining fence wood or clothing. Take the art activity farther by challenging prekindergarten age youngsters to find natural items they can use for their paintings. Dandelions, twigs and blades of grass become paint brushes in the hands of imaginative four and five year old preschoolers. If clean sandbox sand is available, mix a handful into the paint cups to add texture and to further enhance the connection between the outdoor environment and the children's art.
Construction paper circle shapes or painted paper plates can be cut into spirals to create art activities. Two and three year old preschoolers can decorate both sides of a paper plate with crayons and markers. Tell your class that you will cut the plates into spirals. Make a spiral motion with your index finger, encouraging the children to try to do it too. Draw a spiral for them to see. Ask your class to name some things that move in a spiral motion. Cut one-inch into the plates and continue cutting with your scissors around the plate until you reach the center. Let the creator of the plate grasp it in the center and hold it up so the rest of the plate falls into a long spiral. Hang the spirals from the ceiling to display.
Older, prekindergarten age children are old enough to use scissors to make paper plate spirals on their own. Use grey construction paper circles for spirals to represent tornadoes or green paper circles to make spiral snakes. Add eyes and a red tongue to the top of a green spiral to make the head of the snake.