Making Tracks

This is an oldie but a goodie! Run toy cars through paint to "make tracks". Look for toy cars, trucks, and other vehicles that have interesting tire patterns. Use a large sheet of bulletin board paper with dump trucks outside. It's quick! It's fun! It's art!

Salad Spinner Art

Looking for a fun way to paint without a brush? Try salad spinner art! You can get a salad spinner in the kitchen section of the discount store. Try to find one without holes in the bottom. Otherwise, the paint will leak out. If you have to get one with holes, make sure to put it on a tray! I use mini paper plates. They fit inside and I don't have to cut paper. You can let the kids use spoons or small squeeze bottles to put on the place. Encourage younger children to work with a partner. One to hold the salad spinner and one to spin. The plates turn out great! My salad spinner has spent a lot of time in a hot car going to workshops so it is a bit warped and all of the paint goes to one side. My students still like it and yours will, too!

Paper Strip Sculptures

This is an easy first of the year art project that my friend Janet showed me. (Thanks, Janet!) Cut strips of paper out of construction paper. Put out tape or glue and let the kids build. Encourage them to weave the pieces and make it more three dimensional. It's quick! It's easy! It's fun!