We created a Preschool Art Exploration Craft Kit for a small group of our three-year old children here at Cathy’s Nursery School in Glastonbury, CT. Prior to handing them the sticky frames, we arrayed the collage materials on the table. The kit included colorful plastic buttons, strands of yarn, strips of tissue paper, large pom poms, and a myriad of other paper and plastic items. The children enjoyed touching and talking about the various materials: the shapes, textures and colors. A fun sensory experience!

Once we gave them some sticky frames they immediately got to work, selecting their favorite supplies. It was interesting to watch each child create their own masterpiece. Some were very selective and artistic, others just piled it on. Once they filled the sticky space on their cards, they continued to play with the materials on the table. This was a very nice and age-appropriate activity. 

We used peel and stick animals – like elephants, zebras, ladybugs, cats, and dogs – but you can really use any surface, like these adhesive rings, or even a regular paper or posterboard and use some glue dots to stick them on. 

Since I introduced this originally to a small group, I had supplies left the next day for my four-year-old class. Just as the day before they enjoyed touching all the textures and creating their own unique works of art. I love how none of the projects looked alike, everyone could create individualized collages based on their interests. Also, if they add craft materials to peel and stick cardstock, there is no need for glue, tape, scissors or paint. This also allowed children of all abilities to enjoy without frustration.

Later in the day we had some collage materials left, and the children loved using them for their play doh sculptures! They created 4 leaf clovers for St. Patrick’s Day, and other fun shapes.

More Preschool Art Activity Ideas:

• Preschool Painter Easy Pack – a huge collection of stamping and painting tools, plus 3 kinds of brushes for small hands
• Crayola® Dough and Tools Classpack – This 24-piece Classpack includes 3 oz. tubs of Crayola® Dough in 8 assorted colors, plus 81 clay tools! Great for teaching fine motor skills and creative thinking.
• Educraft All About Me Dolls Craft Kit – kids can paint and decorate their own movable dolls and tell their own unique stories.

Submitted by: Judith Moriarty, Head Teacher at Cathy’s Nursery School, Glastonbury, CT.