Parent tips – Do Art Better

Hot Glue Guns for Kids: In Defense of Dangerous Art

Glue guns for ALL! I love our low-temp hot glue guns that we have in the studio. So I will proudly allow most all ages use them because hot glue guns for kids is a game-changer.

Why? Well, for a couple reasons:

One, because they are an incredible tool for building. Sometimes, hot glue is SERIOUSLY the only thing that’s going to get the job done.

Cardboard Unicorn Craft made with hot glue

And, two, I love them…because they are slightly dangerous.

Risky, slightly dangerous situations provide important learning opportunities AND they create interest and excitement. Accomplishing (conquering!) that dangerous situation builds confidence. Children learn about their own abilities and sensibilities.

In the studio–whether its glue guns or power tools or hot wax for kids–we always review the safety instructions. And, we never make a student use something that he or she is uncomfortable using. But, given the opportunity and the proper guidance, you might be surprised what these young people are capable of!

Read more about what the Chicago Children’s Museum has to say about the value of dangerous play: https://chicagochildrensmuseum.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/why-danger/?fbclid=IwAR2YOkvQS4X3HpR7WMk1DLk8V_xWDg9wwRjDar0ylSXpTnCB-y2SsJOtSnA

I love the fact that ART gives us so many opportunities to explore new (and dangerous) tools and equipment.

Do you use any “dangerous” tools in your art making?

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Hot Glue Guns for Kids - In Defense of Dangerous Art

Playdough and Salt Dough Recipes

Salt Dough

Ingredients:

1 C salt
1 C flour
about a cup of warm water

Directions:

Mix together the salt and flour first. Then add the water alittle bit at a time. It might take the full cup and it might not! If you add too much water and it gets sticky, simply add more flour and salt.

Dump the dough onto a flour surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth.

No-Cook Playdough

Ingredients:

1 C flour
1/2 C salt
1 T cream of tartar
1 T vegetable oil
boiling (or really, really hot) water…1/2-3/4 cup

Tip: If you want to add coloring to you playdough, mix it into the hot water.

Directions:

Mix together the dry ingredients and the oil. Then add the boiling water until a dough forms. Mix well.

Once it’s cool enough, turn the dough out onto a flour surface and kneed until smooth, about 3 minutes. Don’t skip this step!

How to Talk to Children about their Art

Kids drawings are unique and personal. How we address these artist expressions is important!

Ever struggle with what to say when a child shows you a picture they’ve drawn? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• “Tell me about it!”
• “What inspired you?”
• “What materials did you use?”
• “Can you talk me through how you made this?”
• “I like looking at your art.”
• “I love hearing you talk about your art.”
• “If you were to do it again, would you do anything differently?”
• “Did you discover anything new as you were making this?”
• “Do you which part attracts my attention? I noticed THIS part first because…”

What phrases do you use to talk about art with your kids?