Alright Worker Bees, time to get creative! There are many benefits to art in early childhood. Not only does painting help develop muscle control, but it is an outlet for expression and stress relief. Unstructured art exercises your honeybee’s intrinsic motivation, allowing them to express themselves openly without the judgement of others. Rather than praise the final product, let’s get in the habit of excitedly encouraging the creative process. We want our honeybees to focus their energy on their artistic expression, not the end result and the approval of others!
In addition, creative activities are beneficial for your honeybee’s intellectual development, increasing their capacity of attention, memory, and concentration. Math and reading exercise a different part of the brain compared to the skills related to visualization, imagination, and creativity. It is important that both sides of your honeybee’s brain are exercised regularly. When allowing your honeybee to flex their creativity, they are subconsciously practicing their critical thinking skills, mapping out a mental plan and demonstrating cause and effect.
WARNING: MESSY ACTIVITY AHEAD!
Let your honeybee’s imagination soar with this easy-to-make sidewalk paint! The goal of this activity is to allow complete freedom of inspiration and artistic style! Enjoy the fresh air and let their art tell a story.
· What you’ll need:
· Cornstarch
· Food coloring
· Water
· Durable cups
· Paintbrushes
Okay honeybees, are you feeling inspired? BEEP! BEEP! All aboard The Messy Mobile! Let’s get creative!
1. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water into cups (2 tablespoons each)
2. Stir well
3. Add desired food coloring to cups (at least 4 drops)
4. Grab some paint brushes and head outside!
*Busy B Tip – The paint strokes will appear thin. The colors will appear more vibrant once dried. If you are unsatisfied with the consistency, add a tablespoon of additional cornstarch to each cup! *
Encourage conversation during your honeybee’s creative process. Do not lead; motivate their freedom to explore their motif. Keep this activity open-ended. As long as they are safe, let them explore. Let them be messy and imagine. Turn every spill into an experimental design.
Use the proper language with your honeybee; they are smarter than you think!
Language to use:
· That’s an interesting way of painting!
· Where are you going with this design?
· Are you proud of your work?
· I can see how hard you are working!
· Are you having fun?
Questions? Comments? Compliments? Leave them BEElow!
The Busy B 