At Little Partners, we know the importance of art in early childhood development. Your child’s imagination is still developing, so offer them the option to:
- Enjoy a space that they can dedicate to practicing the arts.
- They can freely develop their own ideas while painting and drawing.
- They can express their creativity in ways that other types of play cannot.
- Read through the rest of this article for seven easel activities for preschool kids.
We even share the materials your child needs to unlock their imagination.
Benefits of Easel Activities for Preschoolers
According to Griffith University, Australia, art plays a crucial role in child development. Beneficial influences were seen in easel activities for preschool and older children. Benefits include:
- Physical development:Hand-eye coordination and fine motor abilities are necessary for art. Your child's abilities will inevitably improve with time.
- Social interaction: Multi-sided easels offer playtime for many children at once. Kids paint and draw as a team and develop social interaction abilities at the same time.
- Cognitive development: Connect symbols together, select different mediums and colors to enhance cognition.
- Imaginative experimentation: Kids who enjoy art experiment with their imagination without judgment.
- Problem-solving skills: Shading, sizing and deciding which mediums to use are all part of solving problems. Skills in this area are important at all ages.
An easel for kids offers a space for them to play and explore. You can set up the space in a free room or opt for a compact option.
We also offer a folding easel that fits in any space.
Parents must provide children with the stimulus necessary to develop fine motor skills, balance and creativity.
We’re going to share easel ideas for toddlers that will engage them for hours.
7 Simple Easel Activities to Spark Preschool Creativity
Art is fun. It’s also unique to the person. Easel activities for preschool kids can include:
1. Finger Paint Activities
One of the go-to easel painting ideas that works at a young age is for the child to use their fingers to make art. Fine motor skill development requires concentration and can frustrate children.
Finger painting comes naturally and aids in imaginative development in the most natural way possible.
2. Use Nature to Create Fun Shapes
A single or double-sided easel is perfect for inspiring artists. Easel ideas for preschool children start simple when the child makes art with fun nature shapes:
- Grass
- Leaves
- Pine cones
- Sun or moon
- Waves and oceans
Nature offers ample inspiration to paint or draw for a lifetime.
3. Ribbon and String Sticky Easel Activity
A fun option for your child is to cover the space with contact paper. Kids will create art with ribbons, numbers and other designs. Children also benefit from developing fine motor skills and creativity using new mediums.
4. Sticky Easel Matchsticks and Pompoms
Toddlers can also benefit from art. You want to be creative with your ideas, starting with pompoms and matchsticks.
These easel activities for toddlers are simple: cover the unit with sticky contact paper. Give the child matchsticks and pompoms to "stick" to the canvas.
5. Alphabet Sort
Teach letters on the easel. Ask children to sort letters, spell their name and more. Sorting by "opened and closed letters" is another option.
6. Fill-in-the-Blank Easel Stories
Let the child fill in the blanks by writing on the canvas. You can create an entire story about your little one and have them finish it.
7. Open-Ended Art
The most fun activity is to let your child’s imagination run wild. Let them create anything they want on their easel. Just make sure they have all the tools they need to bring their vision to life.
Easel Activities for Children Already in School
Any one of these ideas can be adapted for older kids. For example, the alphabet sort game can be transformed into storytelling or sentence creation activities. “Sticky” activities and even finger paints can be used by children of all ages.
Essential Materials for Preschool Easel Activities
Kids will love the preschool easel ideas above. To begin, you'll need a few supplies.
Paint Cups
Most easels have slots to hold paint cups. Stock up on all sorts of colors so your child can experiment freely with different ideas.
Magnetic Letters
Kids who want to practice the alphabet will need magnetic letters that can easily stick to the easel’s surface.
Paper and Brushes
For painting activities, kids will need brushes and paper. You can also use sponges or natural materials such as leaves or flowers to paint.
Are Easel Activities Really Worth It? Here’s What Parents Say
Is an easel really a smart investment in your child’s development?
Here’s what parents say:
- I got this for my 3-year-old daughter, and it has worked quite well for her. She uses it to learn and play with it all the time.
- Wonderful for practicing writing letters and numbers, and it's perfect for promoting independent play.
Children who show an interest in art will enjoy endless hours of creative play with an easel. But even kids who are not artistic can have fun with letters and other activities.
Conclusion
We encourage you to try these easel painting ideas for preschoolers and see if they spark your child’s creativity.
Watch as their imaginations soar and their fine motor skills improve over time.
View our collection of easels to find the perfect match for your little one.
FAQ
At What Age Can Children Start Using An Easel For Art Activities?
Kids can experiment with art at almost any age. Children who are not old enough to handle a brush can paint with their fingers instead. You’ll find many easel activities for toddlers online and even for younger children.
The only real requirement is that your little one be able to stand on their own.
Which Type Of Easel Is Best For Preschoolers?
A sturdy and durable model will be ideal for preschoolers. Our Peek-A-Boo clear acrylic easel is a great option for this reason. Plus, kids can play with their friends and create together.
Foldable easels and ones with whiteboards are also strong enough to stand up to preschoolers and provide a safe play space.
How Do Easel Activities Benefit My Child's Development?
Easel activities help kids:
- Build fine motor skills
- Use their imaginations
- Develop creative skills
- Learn more about themselves and their interests
Because an easel brings the surface closer to your little one’s eyes, it also helps them improve their focus and attention.
How Can I Manage The Mess Associated With Easel Painting?
All of the easel ideas for toddlers can be messy. But there are ways to keep things under control.
- Place the easel away from furniture and walls.
- Have kids wear smocks to protect their clothes
- Lay down a canvas or a sheet to protect the floor
- Take it outdoors
The messiness is part of the fun. But these tips will keep them to a minimum.
What If My Child Shows No Interest In Easel Activities?
Some kids naturally gravitate toward creative projects. Others prefer other types of play. It’s okay if your little one does not have an interest in a kids' play easel at first. Experiment with different activities that don’t involve art. Turn it into a group activity. See if these methods change their mind about easels.