First Art

Jump right in--doing art with toddlers and twos is fun, rewarding, and a wonderful learning experience. Children discover their world as they explore the 75 fun-filled art adventures in First Art. They will joyfully squeeze a rainbow, make their own (safe) beads to string, and create their very own painted paper quilt. First Art starts children on a journey full of exploration and creativity!

For the revised version of this book, which was published in 2012, click here!

• Early Childhood News Director's Choice Award

Reviews

"Doing art with young learners is a fine way to encourage muscle control and development, build mastery of tools, introduce cause and effect, and support independence and experimentation…The finest feature of First Art is that it is designed specifically for toddlers and twos-and respects their awkward, messy, and sometimes temporary interest in art experiences. You will enjoy the experiences too."

"While directed to the home or daycare schooling level, this publication is filled with art projects and suggestions that could be extended to kindergarten and lower-grade classrooms. The emphasis is on process and independent thinking rather than on product in this compilation of more than sixty-five art activities. While there are variations, a majority of the ideas presents begin with a list of materials needed, adult/teacher preparatory recommendations, a description of the processes and techniques the children will explore, and tips for further involvements and variations. Most activities, organized into six groupings, are presented on a single page, accompanied by lively line drawings. The chapter groupings center around painting, drawing, sculpting, printing, collage, and a miscellaneous grouping. Chapters have clever headings and feature a number of unique experiences such as printing with bubble wrap, fingertip prints, and toy wheel printing. The chapter on printing begins with an alphabetized double-page spread of printable objects. The book also features a unique and helpful system of simple icons for each activity that indicate activity levels, amount of pre-planning needed, cleanup actions, cautions, and more."

"…to get some great, inexpensive art recipes, read First Art."

"Seventy-five fun art projects designed especially for toddlers and twos pack the pages of MaryAnn Kohl's new book. Kohl focuses on helping young children explore different art media, including topics such as primarily paint, hands-on dough, making marks, sticky business, great impressions, and fun stuff for toddlers and twos."