Creative Ideas to Inspire Your Little Ones 

Creative activities are lots of fun and have the added bonus of developing skills such as problem solving, basic counting and mark making, which are all especially important for under 5’s.

It can often feel like the focus of a creative activity such as painting should be the end result of having a ‘nice’ picture. And while it is lovely to have something to show at the end of a creative activity, here at The Creation Station it’s the process of experimenting with different tools, techniques and materials which is most important. So instead of trying to make a specific picture let’s try to focus on having fun and experimenting and see what we create instead. 

Have a go at painting with unusual items from around the home and see what marks and patterns they make. The aim of this activity is for your children and yourself to have fun, don’t worry about what it looks like at the end, just enjoy exploring!

Before we start, you don’t need to spend lots of money on equipment and materials, use what you have at home. Cardboard from cereals or packaging is great to draw or paint on, as are old bed sheets which can be washed and used again (these are also great to turn into a den or tent once they’ve been decorated!). Try to use a mix of paint, pens, pencils etc anything you are happy for your children to use, if you don’t have paint you could try painting with mud from the garden or have a go at making your own paint using flour and food colouring. 

• Before you start, prepare the area you’ll be getting creative in. Find some space at a table or on the floor, protect the surface if needed and if you have a garden consider going outside if the weather permits. Have a cloth ready to wipe hands as needed as you go along, this might get messy so be prepared with a painting apron or old clothes for your children and you. 
• Next, with your child have a look around the house for items that you could try painting with, you could pop them into a bag or pillowcase to keep them together. Use objects that won’t break easily and that you won’t mind getting covered in paint. Some ideas to get you started; an old toothbrush, building blocks, string, toy cars, sponges, rolling pin, empty yoghurt pots, and if you’re feeling brave have a go with a fly swat! (best done outside). You could make a list and check them off as you go, or just see what you can find
• Once you’ve got the items, you could try to draw around each one before having a go at painting
• Dip each item into paint and see what marks it makes, does it change when you move it or when you push it onto the surface? Talk about this with your child and encourage them to explore, what marks it makes on the surface, does it change when you move it or when you push it onto the surface
• Try mixing colours to make new colours, you could guess what colour it will make before mixing. Together you could name and count any shapes or lines that items make and discuss which patterns you really like.
• Remember to have fun and join in with the exploring with your child, things are always more fun together and you really are never too old to explore creativity!
• Once you’ve finished painting, bring out a tub/bucket of warm water for hands (and painting items) to be washed in, add some bubble bath and have some bubbly fun to finish!
• Once dry display the artwork for everyone to see. You could also cut it up and turn into smaller pictures or even a postcard to send to someone special.

Give it a go and send your pictures to kathoward@hotmail.co.uk or over on Facebook to be in with a chance of winning a craft pack. 

Hints & tips to getting the most from your creative time

Creative activities that last around 30mins are ideal for under 5’s and remember the younger the child the less of an attention span they are likely to have. Try building up the amount of time you spend being creative by a few minutes each time to help develop attention. Doing creative activities once or twice will be enough unless your child really loves it.

Rather than having lots of items available right from the start, try to introduce new items one at a time and let your children explore that for a few minutes before the next item comes out.

Each child is individual and not all will love painting, some will prefer sport or toys etc. Interests change so if you’ve tried painting before and they weren’t interested, have another go, and if it’s not for them (either now or ever) then don’t worry!

While our normal social classes are suspended Kat is running free live sessions on Facebook every week. Follow the Creation Station Exeter & Mid Devon on Fascebook and join our families group to view the sessions.

For ideas and free activities, including colouring sheets to print, head to our website undefined to find loads of ideas for all ages. 

Want to buy some craft supplies? Use code FR308 to get 10% off your order.