Favorites at 25 Months - Art Supplies

As a very new 2, Gus is super into art and using art supplies. To be honest, he has more interest than any of my other kids did at this age. Now, this could be his personality, or just that Henry and (more so) Nora model the use of art supplies which increases his interest. Either way, Gus spends a good amount of his day engaged in creating. 

Just a quick note about setting up art trays for toddlers. Typically, I would make sure that everything for a toddler art tray was placed on one tray and easily accessible for the toddler. Toddlers' aren't often able to go gather all the supplies they need in order to use art material. But, here you'll see a combination of those two things - open ended supplies and prepared trays. Gus has taken a liking to some of the things prepared more for his brother and sister. That's the nature of having so many ages in one space. So, these will often require some adult intervention to make sure he can use the materials safely - I'll point out where that is!

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Technically most of the things in our art area are for creating. But, these specifically Gus enjoys the process of using. 

Glitter Glue Tray - This is Gus' favorite right now. The tray includes everything he needs to use the glitter glue including paper. The little bucket provides a nice place to return the glue. The smaller containers just pop open so he can use independently. 

Stabilos Woody - Another favorite of Gus, this is an example of not an art try. While I could put a couple choices on a tray with paper for him, that would be too limiting for the older children who also love these. So, they are all in one small box on a low shelf. Often, I will need to remind Gus to use paper. The thing I love about these is that they are SUPER washable so if they get on a table/wall it's totally fine and it wipes right off (unlike many crayon type utensils).

Paint - Gus has been exploring water color paint for awhile {see first tray here} so I have added a little complexity by offering him multiple colors at one time. However, these are liquid watercolors are slightly different in that they don't require water mixing. I made the paint by using our regular water colors and painting the jars, then just adding a touch of water.  Our holder is from here but here is a similar one. 

While these materials can also be used to create, I mostly have them on the shelves for fine motor control, more than the artistic process. Gus obviously doesn't make this distinction and just uses what speaks and interests him.

Chalk - Here's another super easy tray. I painted a wooden shape (years ago) with some chalkboard paint. But it on a tray with a small container of chalk and and a wipe. Its perfect for coloring and erasing, and a favorite of Gus. 

Scissors - While scissors are available for the big kids' creative use, for Gus I have made a tray for him to start to learn the mechanics of using scissors. This really isn't purposeful cutting, but snipping. The tray includes card stock cut into small strips so he can be successful with little cuts, plus a bowl for cutting into. 

Biggie Beads - These large pearler beads are perfect for creating patterns, exploring color and just pegging. But they are also great fine motor control. I use a small soap holder thing that I had around because the board that comes with is just a bit too big and overwhelming for Gus at this point. We don't "save" his creations by ironing either, just take apart and repeat. 

Stickers - Instead of a tray for these, these are just in a small box. I rotate the stickers and everyone uses them. They are great for helping little fingers gain strength and dexterity.