Creative Corner

Submitted by Christine Turner on Mon, 04/12/2010 - 3:56pm

Everyone knows that art activities are fun.  Did you know that they also help build skills such as; creative thinking, spatial awareness, problem solving? You can extend your child's learning experience by reading books about art, and visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.  MFAH, is a family friendly environment that encourages both adults and children to explore and discover. They even provide weekly activities and storytimes!

 

 

 

 

Snips & Snails & Walnut Whales: Nature Crafts for Children by Phyllis Fiarotta

Many of the projects are made from items that  are recycled or collected from nature. This craft book reminds me of all the great projects children create in Girl/Boy Scouts groups. 

  

Embroidery for Little Miss Crafty : Projects and Patterns to Create and Embellish by Helen Dardik.

Inside are easy-to-use templates for each design and step-by-step instructions that make every project fun and simple. From do-it-yourself wardrobe makeovers and handmade gifts to framed masterpieces, you'll learn tons of creative ways to personalize your world with embroidery. Stiching has never been easier--or sassier!

 

The Kids' Multicultural Art Book by Alexandra Michaels

Focusing on the different cultures and traditions around the world, this book uses basic art supplies, recycled items, and simple instructions to discuss ways to make arts and crafts.  

 

Mudworks: Creative Clay, Dough and Modeling Experiences by MaryAnn F. Kohl

When I taught Montessori, I often used this book to help support the needs of tactile/kinesthetic learners.  I personally like the play dough recipe in this book that uses alum.  It's a cook method and will last longer than most. Recipes for play dough use a lot of salt. So, make sure that children wash their hands after each use.

Read about ART

 

Katie and the Mona Lisa by James Mayhew

At the art museum, while her grandmother dozes, Katie steps into the painting of the Mona Lisa and together they have adventures with the characters from four other well-knownRenaissance paintings.

Katie and the Sunflowers by James Mayhew

While visiting the art museum, Katie has an adventure stepping in and out of five paintings by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne. Includes information about Post-impressionism and the particular paintings and artists in the story.

Katie's Sunday Afternoon by  James Mayhew

On a hot day, Katie and her grandmother visit the art museum, where Katie climbs into the paintings of pointillist artists Seurat, Pisarro, and Signac. Includes information about pointillism.
A great storyt about friendship. Introduces children to Cajun artist, George Rodrigue.
Follow Mitzi the spotted dog through all four seasons of the year as she explores the towns, farms and countryside of America, vividly brought to life by folk artist Jane Wooster Scott. Along with Mitzi there are plenty of other objects to uncover, whether it is candy canes in winter, sailboats in spring, sand castles in summer, or pumpkins in fall.
The artist Georgia O'Keeffe spends the day transforming the materials, colors, and landscape of her desert home into paintings.
 Oooh! Picasso by Mil Niepold
Great way to introduce children to Pablo Picasso's work.
 
Matisse: The King of Color by Laurence Anholt
Tells the story of the artistMatisse designing the Chapelle du Rosaire.
In the early 1900s, little Sap, a young girl from the rice fields of Cambodia, wins a coveted place in the royal dance troupe and learns the steps so well that she is noticed by the famous artist Auguste Rodin, who rewards her with a special prize. A foreword and an author's note give additional information about the history of Cambodia, Khmer dance, and August Rodin.