Art Lab for Little Kids: 52 Playful Projects for Preschoolers
by Susan Schwake is a follow-up book to the wonderful Art Lab for Kids
that I reviewed here and is geared towards a younger set of kids. It is a series of 52 art lessons, one for each week of the year, that are open-ended so they can be enjoyed over and over again.
The book is divided into six sections; the first one is all about setting up your art space and a list and discussion of materials. The next five sections cover the techniques of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media.
Susan's many years of experience teaching art shine through in the helpful tips scattered throughout the book and the organization of the lessons. Each lab begins with a list of materials and then has step-by-step directions and photos on how to proceed. I really like the "Think First" part of each lab that gives adults and children things to think about before starting their work to get them in the right mindset.
With 52 lessons, this could be your art curriculum if you homeschool or even if you just want to enrich the art curriculum that your child's school provides. The materials are all basic art supplies with a few additions of common items found in the kitchen or office, so, it's very accessible, even to those adults that feel artistically challenged.
As with Art Lab for Kids, prominent artists are featured in each lab to provide inspiration and a great jumping off place to take the lesson further.
Here's an excerpt from Art Lab For Little Kids, Lab 2 Crayon Fun. After you experience coloring on sandpaper, you can transer your images to fabric to enjoy another way! Click on the images to enlarge.
The Giveaway!
To enter this giveaway for Art Lab For Little Kids leave a comment on this post by midnight P.S.T., Saturday, August 3rd. The two winners will be chosen using the Random Number Generator and announced here on Monday, August 5th. You must be a U.S. resident and 18 years old to enter this giveaway. Only one entry per person.
Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book for review purposes but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase through one of the links then I will receive a small percentage of the sale without it costing you a penny more, so thanks!