Author: halverd

Materials
Clear Contact Paper
Collage materials in reds, pinks, purples, and lavenders (feathers, ribbons,  tissue paper, tinsel, etc.)
Masking tape

Directions
Cut a large heart shape out of contact paper.  Using the masking tape, tape the heart shape (sticky side up) onto a hard surface – floor, table, window or wall.  Invite your child to place various collage pieces onto the contact paper in an interesting design.  Once your child has completed placing materials onto the contact paper, remove it from the hard surface and press the sticky side onto a window.  You child will enjoy observing the sunlight shining through the colorful artwork.

Materials
Cooked and cooled noodles
Finger paint
Paper
Paint shirt and paint mat

Directions
Put paint in a bowl or on a plate so noodles can easily be covered with paint. Dip a noodle in paint and then apply to paper to create painted picture. Try dipping the noodle in more than one color and watch how the paint mixes on the paper.

For even more fun, try using different shapes of noodles. Compare what type of design each noodle creates on the paper. If your preschooler is a bit timid with slimy textures, have a washcloth or paper towel available so they can paint a bit and easily wipe their hands clean.

Materials
White paper
Shapes you have around the house or magnetic shapes

Directions
Trace around the various shapes with a writing instrument.  Place the shapes out for your child to see. Invite your child to match the shapes to the shapes drawn on the paper. Help you child name the various shapes. 

Did you child match all the shapes?

Ingredients
1 box of puff pastry
Small cookie cutters
Parchment paper
Cookie sheet
Melted butter
Grated cheddar cheese

Directions
Lay out puff pastry on the table and invite your child to cut different shapes.  Place the shapes onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  Brush tops of shapes with melted butter. Sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese and bake as instructed on the box. This makes a very fun, delicious snack that your child can help prepare. 

Ingredients
2-4 bananas sliced into 1-2″ sections
2/3 cup of chocolate chips
2/3 cup of peanut butter

Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Slice bananas into bites (approximately five pieces per banana).   Place banana pieces in the freezer for about 15 minutes.  This will help the chocolate firm up upon dipping.  Melt chocolate & peanut butter in the microwave (high) for about 1 minute – stir until smooth.  Dip each banana bite and place it on the parchment paper.  Freeze for at least 1 hour. 

Store in an airtight container.

 

Materials
Clean tape
White powder ( e.g. baby powder, baking soda, powdered white tempera)
Black paper
Magnifying glass

Directions
Dip finger into the white powder and press it onto the clear tape. Stick the tape onto the black paper. Make prints of other fingers and/or other people’s finger prints. Examine prints using a magnifying glass. Describe the differences in the fingertips.

Materials
Large white construction paper
Black tempera paint
Various sizes of paper white circles
Paint brush

Directions
Using the paint brush, invite your child to cover the white paper with black tempera paint.  While the paint is still wet, encourage your child to place the white circles on top of the black paint. The circles will stick to the paper once the paint is dry. Display. 

Ingredients
2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
4 tsp. cream of tartar
2 cups water 
2 Tbsp. baby oil 
Black food coloring
Googly eyes
Black and white pipe cleaners and straws

Directions
Combine the dry ingredients in a sauce pan. Add the water and oil (and color, if desired) and mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and forms a firm ball. Remove from heat and knead when cool enough. Store in an air-tight container.

Invite your child to create interesting creatures using googly eyes, black and white pipe cleaners, and straws. You’ll be amazed at what they can create!

Materials
Salad spinner
Tempera Paint (we used black for Black and White week)
White paper plate

Directions
Place a paper plate in the bottom of the salad spinner. Add 2-3 drops of tempera paint onto the paper plate. Place the top on the spinner and invite your child to spin the spinner by turning the handle or pressing on the top knob. Take off the lid and remove the plate.  Dry completely and display.

This is loads of fun for the children and they are so delighted to see their beautiful artwork.

Materials
White and black construction paper                                                                                           
Glue
Picture or book about zebras

Directions
Spend some time looking at pictures of zebras with your child. Notice the beautiful black stripes that they have as their coat. Invite your child tear long strips of black construction paper and glue the strips onto white construction paper to look like zebra stripes. Display the zebra stripes.

Extension activity;

• Read a book together about a zebra  (Little Zebra: Finger Puppet Book by Chronicle Books)
• Talk about where tigers live

Tearing paper is a great fine motor activity for toddlers and preschoolers.