How to social distance for arts and crafts? We seem to be hearing this question a lot these days. In this newsletter, we are going to share some helpful ways you can keep creating while being safe.
In this time of social distancing we are looking for ways to make art accessible. We know art is a great way for our little ones to refine small motor skills while learning. But, how do we make it work?. Arts and crafts are at the core of how we teach three year olds. In this time of Covid-19 how can we make this a safe way to teach? We have come up with a few ideas for individual arts and crafts kits. Trying to think of a way to keep supplies and kids separate is almost impossible. Hopefully with these tips your little artist will happily be creating soon.
Storage Container = Desks
We have found these large scrapbook paper storage containers. The boxes measure 12″x12″. They come in clear or colors. Large enough to hold the individual’s arts supplies and projects. They are easy to clean and label with child’s name. (Great for name recognition activity.) What I like most about these containers is they can double as lap desks. Kids can keep supplies inside while using the top to make, color, and create.
To find the storage containers we featured click HERE.
Now that we have the container we decided to work on what to put inside. Below is a list of our everyday must-haves for creative time.
Everyday arts and crafts supplies
This refers to several of your most used arts and crafts supplies.
Special arts and crafts supplies
Next we have supplies that can be put in every morning for a specific project.
- Washable Bingo daubers
- Construction paper
- Google eyes
- Acrylic paint
- Water color
- Paint brush
- Small sponge
- Tubes of glitter or mini glitter glue
Teachers arts and craft supplies
This list is complied of the most frequent used items for our projects. This is a great start to any supply closet or your amazon wish list.
- Copy paper
- Multi color card stock
- Glue
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Scissors
- Uncoated paper plates
- Feathers
- Stapler & staples
- Yarn skeins
- Stamp pads
- Pipe cleaners
- Hole punch
- 1″ hole punch
- Tooth picks
- Craft sticks
Tips and tricks
Duct tape a teacher’s best friend…
The first way we are using duct tape is by taping all of the marker caps together. This trick was sent to us by one of our amazing teachers. It is a great way to keep caps from rolling on the ground or being shared. Cut a strip long enough to fit all of the marker caps. Then lay markers next to each other with just the caps touching the tape. Fold the tape over the rest of the caps and secure.
We also use the duct tape to hold plates or other supplies to the top of the storage containers to help little hands make projects.
All of these ideas can be used for busy boxes or packets to go home. In this time of uncertainty we know creating will help stabilize some normalcy. Either in the class room or online we know you will be telling your little artist, ‘You’re so creative!’