Visual Arts
Helping Your Three-Year-Old Become an Artist
Helping Your Three-Year-Old Become an Artist
Three-year-olds enjoy the process of creating far more than the final product. Be prepared for a mess, so your preschooler can explore different materials and create freely. If you are using washable paint or playdough, cover the workspace with newspaper or a vinyl tablecloth. You might also want to choose an uncarpeted area like the kitchen as your “art studio.” Have old clothes or T-shirts on hand that you won’t mind getting dirty.
At 3, most children are “controlled scribblers.” They begin to gain control over the marks they are making and may try new motions, like zigzags or circles. As they explore, they will be developing their hand and finger strength and control, which also prepares them to write. Preschoolers are curious and excited to work with different materials. Encourage your children to tell you about their creations. While the picture will be unrecognizable to you, the act of naming or describing the process can be exciting and affirming. The most important thing is to ditch the instructions and have fun!