Here are some fun ways to explore art with your toddler and help expand their world.
Art at home is often put in the too-messy, too-hard basket in the toddler years, but the latest research in education suggests exploring our children’s artistic side is certainly worth the effort.
Why Art Matters
Toddlers love art, and it does amazing things for them. Research shows that young children encouraged in art perform better at school. Art improves visual thinking skills, reading, and many other academic areas. It also trains children’s brains, boosts emotional well-being, and helps with self-esteem and emotional conflicts.
TRY IT: If mess feels daunting, start with water painting. On a sunny day, head outside with a bucket of water and a large paintbrush. Let your toddler paint the house, fence, or pavement—no clean-up required!
Engage the Senses
Art isn’t just about drawing or painting; it’s about seeing, hearing, and expressing. Talking with your toddler about their surroundings enhances artistic skills, vocabulary, and emotional intelligence. While toddlers may not draw actual objects yet, they can begin associating their art with real-world symbols through observation and conversation.
TRY IT: Go on a flower hunt. Talk about colours, shapes, and textures. Smell the flowers, then take one home and paint or draw it together. The result might be squiggles, but the process and discussion matter most.
Alternatively: Create Found Art. Collect leaves, petals, and small sticks, then glue them onto card for a collage. For less mess, have wipes handy. You can also try a sand garden: fill a small container with sand and arrange the found objects creatively.
Get Creative with Clay
Playdough is a classic favourite, but have you tried clay? Clay offers a new sensory experience and allows you to preserve your child’s creations. Use a plastic mat, keep clay soft with water, and have a bucket of soapy water ready for clean-up.
TRY IT: Roll sausages, make snails, or squash pieces together. Use a wet sponge to prevent the clay from drying out too quickly.
Explore Beyond the Basics
Using colouring books too often can limit creativity. Offer blank paper, encourage colouring outside the lines, or experiment with unique ideas like using only two contrasting colours.
Other Ideas to Try:
- Painting rocks or arranging flowers.
- Creating footprints on paper.
- Swirling food colouring in the bath.
Art is broad and exciting—expose your toddler to as many forms as possible.
Connect with Others
If mess is still a concern, consider joining your local Playcentre. Playcentres provide a supportive space for parents and toddlers to explore art together.
To find your nearest Playcentre, call 0800 PLAYNZ (0800 752 969) or visit www.playcentre.org.nz
