Foreword / by MaryAnn F. Kohl -- Saying yes to art -- An exploratory approach to art : what is process art? Why is it creative? / by MaryAnn F. Kohl -- Planning for art -- Making space for art -- Gathering art materials -- Encouraging your budding artist : connecting with children through talking about their art / by Judith Rubin -- Drawing with confidence and creativity -- Sustaining inspiration / music by Melissa Garrett ; hummingbirds, pebbles, and maps by Susan-Marie Swanson -- Storing, displaying, and sharing the art -- First forays into art -- Quick and easy art -- Getting fancy : exploring clay by Cathy Weisman Topal -- Action art : the exploration toolkit / by Keri Smith -- Quiet activities for downtime and transition : playful exploration of art ideas and materials / by Rachelle Doorley -- Art for playdates, parties, and groups : success with group art / by Julie Liddle -- Homemade art materials to make and enjoy

"Bring out your children's creativity and imagination with more than 60 kids' art activities from the creator of www.ArtfulParent.com. Art making is a wonderfully fun way for young children to tap into their imagination, deepen their creativity, and explore new materials, all while strengthening their fine motor skills and developing self-confidence. The Artful Parent has all the tools and information you need to encourage your children's creativity through art. You'll learn how to set up an art space, how to talk to children about their artwork, how to choose the best art supplies (without breaking the bank), how to repurpose and organize the piles of art created, and even how to use kids' art activities to soften everyday transitions. The more than sixty engaging kids' arts and crafts projects included here are accessible and developmentally appropriate for one- to eight-year-olds, and they're a far cry from the cookie-cutter crafts many of us did in school as kids. From bubble prints to musical chairs art, these kids' art activities allow children to explore art materials, techniques, and ideas as they grow more creative every day. With activities for downtimes, action art for releasing energy, and recipes for making your own art materials, this book is your guide for raising an artful family"--