Toy School – Express Yourself – Art Class

Art class is in session year-round in our home. Not a day goes by that JustaBXgirl doesn’t create something magical. Lately, a lot of her creations have been digital. The power of an Apple pencil is real. Still, I like her to unplug and create something offline at least once a month. I make sure to have options on hand so that she can let inspiration guide her.

If we give littles the opportunity to create, we get a look into their perspective on things. I remember when I worked at an elementary school program we used to keep coloring sheets around for the students. One afternoon I was coloring with some students and I started using random colors. The students looked over at my coloring sheet and one of them told me that I was doing it wrong. I asked how so. It was my picture and I was choosing the colors I liked. I shared that I believed that there is no wrong way to make art. The students were amazed. From that afternoon on my students began freeing their art. All of a sudden, I gave them permission to show me their imaginations. It was one of my proudest moments at that program.

As a mom, it has been imperative to me to always allow JustaBXgirl to have that sense of freedom in her creations. I believe it helps strengthen our relationship. I love learning more about JustaBXgirl through her art. Her imagination and creativity are so strong and I always want to support them. This month’s options are a great reminder that art is about expression.

STMT D.I.Y. Alphabet Jewelry – Not only can this be used for art but it can also be used for ELA. Practice spelling as they build words. It includes 98 mini alphabet beads, 68 round alphabet beads, and 52 metallic alphabet beads along with a host of other items to make a number of bracelets and necklaces.

Creative Roots Paint Your Own Garden Stone – You see a stepping stone but I see the wrap-up to a science unit. What better way to wrap up a unit on our furry friends than by having an art project to remember what you learn? I also love how this set gives littles the chance to create their own colors by mixing the ones given. It is a wonderful reminder to use what you have to create what you want.

STMT D.I.Y. Designer Art Studio – This set is so beautiful. It allows littles to get a feel for different mediums. It includes watercolors, oil pastels, and gel pens. It provides blank cards and watercolor-resistant designs. We are actually planning to use this set for an art-filled Easter afternoon.