Activities for Young Children to Develop their Hand and Finger Coordination through Artistic Expression
Discover a collection of engaging art activities designed to help your toddler develop fine motor skills while having fun. Here's a list of age-appropriate activities that align with Crayola's My First Crayola developmental stages, focusing on safe, easy-to-hold tools and stepwise skill challenges.
Starting with Sensory and Tactile Art
Activities like finger painting, cotton ball dabbing with washable paint, and tear-and-paste collage are great for building finger strength and sensory awareness. These simple yet effective activities are perfect for toddlers.
Introducing Safe, Toddler-Sized Art Tools
Use thick crayons, washable markers, and chunky paintbrushes designed for small hands to encourage proper grip and control. Crayola’s My First Crayola line typically includes these toddler-friendly art supplies.
Engaging in Threading and Beading
Activities that involve large beads or pasta shells develop hand-eye coordination and small muscle control suitable for preschoolers and later toddlers ready for more challenge.
Encouraging Scribbling and Large Motor Drawing
Big scribbling activities with durable, easy-to-grip crayons or markers allow toddlers to explore mark-making, advancing toward more controlled pencil grips and drawing skills.
Gradually Incorporating Tool Variety and Activities
Sponge printing, shape collage using pre-cut shapes, and simple paper crafts (cutting or folding) extend fine motor skill practice as toddlers grow.
For more specific Crayola-endorsed or My First Crayola activities aligned with developmental stages, consult Crayola’s official website and product guides. Crayola provides tailored project ideas matched to the size, shape, and safety of their toddler tools to promote developmentally appropriate fine motor growth.
The Stages of Toddler Art Tool Use
Toddler art activities can be categorised into three stages: Scribble, Doodle, and Draw.
- During the Scribble stage, children make random marks with their palms.
- During the Doodle stage, children show more control and intention in their mark making and can repeat different types of lines. Triangular shaped art tools are beneficial during this stage.
Special Art Activities for Toddlers
- Adding dish soap to finger paint creates window paint, which is exciting for toddlers to see on a vertical surface.
- Painting on a mirror or window provides an additional fun element for finger painting.
- A spray bottle or rain can be used to turn a toddler's doodles or drawings into tie dye art, encouraging experimentation with different designs and colours.
Moving Beyond Paper
The Draw in a Box activity provides a list of art materials suitable for toddlers at every stage, including washable Palm Grasp Crayons, Washable Tripod Grip Markers, Washable Tripod Grip Crayons, Washable Tripod Grip Stampers, and Ultra Clean Washable Markers.
Travel-Friendly Art Activities
The Travel Art Kit is a great way to keep toddlers entertained while traveling or waiting in various locations. It can include a Reusable Activity Set, Color and Shapes Sticker Activities books, Double Doodle Board, Mess-Free Touch Lights, Clip board, Pencil pouch, Preschool Readiness Kit (optional), and a sturdy tote or container.
Promoting Fine Motor Development
Choosing the correct art tool for a toddler's current stage is important for their fine motor development. The My First Crayola line of products is a helpful resource for finding the correct art tool for a toddler's stage of fine motor development.
A Cutting Bin for Practicing Scissor Skills
A Cutting Bin can be created using a small plastic storage box, Safety Scissors, and various materials for cutting practice.
Tie Dye Paintings
Tie Dye Paintings can be created using white coffee filters, Washable Paintbrush pens, and Ultra Clean Washable Markers.
Remember, following a toddler's lead and incorporating their interests into art activities empowers them and makes art more meaningful.
[1] Crayola's Guide to Art Activities for Toddlers
[2] The Importance of Art Activities for Toddlers
[3] 100 Art Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
[4] The Benefits of Art for Toddlers
[5] Crayola's My First Crayola Products
(Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by the Mom It Forward Network, but all opinions are the writer's own.)
- Sensory and tactile art activities, such as finger painting, cotton ball dabbing, and tear-and-paste collage, can help toddlers develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
- Using thick crayons, washable markers, and chunky paintbrushes designed for small hands encourages proper grip and control, promoting safe and easy-to-hold tools for toddlers.
- Threading and beading activities involving large beads or pasta shells help develop hand-eye coordination and small muscle control for preschoolers.
- Large scribbling activities with durable, easy-to-grip crayons or markers allow toddlers to explore mark-making, advancing towards more controlled pencil grips and drawing skills.
- Sponge printing, shape collage using pre-cut shapes, and simple paper crafts (cutting or folding) extend fine motor skill practice as toddlers grow.
- Engaging in activities such as Tie Dye Paintings using white coffee filters, Washable Paintbrush pens, and Ultra Clean Washable Markers, can be an enjoyable way for toddlers to practice and improve their fine motor skills.
