Activities & Ideas

Drawing with Crayons and Chalk (Continued from and article in the Children's Corner newsletter -- page 5)

Young children spend a lot of time drawing. Art development has stages, and scribbling is an important beginning. Most children have access to crayons. The jumbo size are easier for young children to hold. Crayons can be used in a number of different ways.

 Crayon Twist

 Lay the crayon on it’s side and rotate it.

Shavings

Grate crayons. Place between two sheets of waxed paper and press with a warm iron.

There are many ways to do crayon melt. This is one of the ways to do Crayon Melt.

Crayon Melt

Materials needed:  Electric griddle or hot plate, Crayons (peeled), Paper, Sponge

Heat a frying pan or griddle to warm. Place a piece of aluminium foil in the bottom. Have the child make a picture with crayon on the foil. Then apply a piece of newsprint or construction paper over the drawing and press gently. The paper will absorb the crayon design. Wipe off any remaining crayon from foil and the next child can make his or her design.

Another way to do melted crayons using the same materials is as follows:-

Heat griddle to warm. Be sure to have lots of peeled crayons ready. Give each child a piece of paper. Place blank paper on warm tray. Rub the peeled crayon over the paper slowly and see it melt. If it does not melt easily, raise the heat a bit. Provide a thick sponge so that the child can hold down the paper. Let the children paint with melted crayons freely. When finished, hold up to light to see the stained glass effect.

Note: Adult supervision is required when using heat. Use clothespin to hold the crayon for younger children. Keep ice on hand in case of burn.

Crayon texture

Using a crayon directly on sand paper is another sensory experience.

Crayon Rubbings

Materials needed: white paper, peeled crayons, various objects, leaves, pine needles, shapes, sandpaper, coin etc.

 Peel many crayons. The fat ones are the best. Give each child a sheet of white paper. Have various objects for the child to choose as a print. (leaves, shapes, sandpaper, feathers, etc). Let the child select some of these objects and put then under the paper. Rub with the side of the crayon onto the paper and the object shows through the print.

 Batik Design

Materials needed:  white paper, crayons, thin blue tempera, brushes

Draw freely onto white paper with crayon. Paint over drawings with thinned paint.

Chalk provides many of the same experiences as crayons.

Chalk and wet paper

Materials needed:  paper, wet sponge, chalk

Each child should wet paper slightly with wrung out sponge. Draw freely with colored chalk. Show the children how to use side and ends of chalk. Allow paper to dry.

Large colored chalk in starch at easel

Materials needed:  paper, liquid starch, chalk, tape, paint cups, easel

Fill paint cups or containers with about one inch of liquid starch. Children dip large colored chalk into starch and draw on paper on easel. For variation use different shapes and sizes of paper.

Chalk and Buttermilk

Materials needed:  chalk, small bowls, plain paper, white art paper or manilla paper, buttermilk, measuring cup.

Pour ¼ cup of buttermilk into small bowls. Place or dip chalk into the buttermilk and draw picture on the paper.

Some of the ideas were adapted from Dribble Drabble Art Experiences for Young Children by Deya Brashears. This book can be checked out from our lending library.

Classes & Events

We offer the 15 hours of Health & Safety training that is required for Family Child Care providers and staff working in Child Care Centers.  For a list of Upcoming Classes & Events, please look at our quarterly schedule. You will find that we offer several different topic areas of classes that can assist you in preparing your child care business and improve your skills with parents and children.  We offer free and low cost workshops that may interest you and the families who use your services.  If you would like to register for any of our classes, please contact the Resource & Referral Department at (707) 863-3950 or contact us at info@solanosfcs.org

Group Health Care Benefits for Family Child Care

CAFCC (California Association for Family Child Care) is now offering group benefits for family child care providers, their family and employees. 

For more information please click here

or visit their website at www.cafcc.org