Get Art-zee In the Park with Children
The summer break time clock continues to tick tock each moment, day by day, getting closer to a new school year. As children of all ages expect to have their summer days filled with assorted, fun activities. While parents, as well as kids may occasionally waffle when coming up with ideas - activities that are creative and interesting, the stand-by ones are still great. Those favorites include swimming, biking, visiting the zoo, bowling, eating comfort foods, playing with friends, or just cooling...feeling carefree while splashing at the neighborhood water park. All of these activities are fun! How about including a day of art in the park? Painting...creating something beautiful and can be a keepsake, to remember that special summer day with your child or group of children. Making art is a fantastic way for children to voice their feelings. It's a way they can make choices such as 'what to create', and 'what colors to use' in their art work. Children can practice expressive language skills. My grand daughter who turned 12 years old in June, and I have already planned our annual summer art in the park day this weekend. We first started this special summer activity June 2010, when she was five years old. It was our way of bonding, as well as our enjoying creating art together. After she finished painting her masterpieces, my grand daughter would sign her name using a pencil, at the bottom of her work where she remembered to leave room. We later would travel to the local craft store to purchase a frame. Over the years we have established an exhibit of her paintings. In fact, several pieces of her art work are spotlighted on the walls at my home office today, as well as hers'.
Soooo, let's get moving and schedule your children's day of art. Make it special by packing lunch to eat after your spectacular art-zee activity. While children are engaged in the socialization lunch experience, it's also a time to talk about what they painted, Moreover, it allows time for their painting to dry at the park. Whether you have a group of summer campers of various ages, or a few Moms/Dads out with their young preschoolers, it' s an opportunity to encourage social-emotional fulfillment and stir imagination. Adults, it can be relaxing - even nostalgic ! Here's what you will need to create memories.
- (5 or 6) favorite colors of non-toxic washable paint
- Easy grip brushes, sponges, cloth, fingers (used to paint)
- Art paper or canvas boards
- Paper towel & wipes
- Ice trays, plastic small cups or bowls (use to hold the different color paints)
- Washable or disposable table covering
- Child size play shirts, aprons or other play clothing (to protect their regular clothes)
- Large bottles of water handy (How many bottles of H2O depends on the number of participates)
- Trash bags for clean-up
