Stencils are a great way to encourage children to practice fine motor skills while creating a quick and easy piece of art. However, stencils require some practice and coordination so they can be frustrating at first. here are some tips for using stencils with your preschool child:
- As they are first learning to use stencils, try taping the stencil to the paper so that it doesn’t move around and you are not stuck holding the stencil in place. Once they have mastered this technique, try removing the tape, and show children how to hold the stencil with their non-dominant hand.
- Start with large open shapes several inches wide before attempting to trace small letters, numbers or shapes.
- Allow children to trace the inside of the stencil or simply color it in according to their preference. However, encourage children to try both methods and demonstrate each.
- Try using reverse stencils that require children to trace around the outside of a shape rather than color in an empty space in the middle.
- Experiment with different mediums. Instead of pencils, crayons, or markers, try paint brushes or bingo dabbers.
- Encourage children to make entire scenes using several stencils rather than making just one shape. Adding sky, grass, water, etc. can also get your child’s creative juices flowing.
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Written by BRWI Staff on July 12, 2010
Even at this young age, your child has probably already had experiences painting with their fingers and paintbrushes. They may have used watercolors, temperas, and finger paints. Here is another way to paint using similar mediums but in a new way.
Painting with ice cubes gives children an opportunity to paint while experiencing a new sensation. While holding a popsicle stick, the color flows as
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Written by BRWI Staff on May 19, 2010
Years ago, when I taught at a preschool during their summer session, I was introduced to an activity that captured both my attention and that of the children. Using an old-fashioned hot plate, children were able to create artwork like I had never seen before. The process stimulated, not only visual senses, but touch and even smell, as well.
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Written by Laura on May 5, 2010
In Pennsylvania, where my family and I reside, this time of the year can be difficult to make it through. Snow has typically kept us inside for the better part of four months. Boredom has set in and nerves are shot. So I thought that a trip to the library for some books would help get us out of the house and then provide some entertainment once we returned.
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Written by Laura on February 18, 2010
When I think back to my elementary school days, I can clearly remember being told to stop daydreaming. I was one of those students whom a teacher made a special point not to sit next to the door or, heaven forbid, the windows. I loved to stare at the clouds using my imagination to create pictures in the sky. Although my timing was not appropriate, encouraging a child to use their imagination ca
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Written by Laura on January 29, 2010
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