Imagination is so important for children as a way for them to make sense of the world around them, be creative, and express themselves. One way in which children can use their imagination is through building with recyclables. As they build and create, not only do they use their imagination but they are practicing critical-thinking skills, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, as they learn how sometimes it doesn’t work out how they intended. As adults, it can be easy to forget what it was like to have the mind and imagination of a child, to feel excited about using random materials as cardboard, plastic bottles, or toilet paper rolls. Our homes are filled with recyclables, which is imagination and creative galore for a child! Pick out several items out of your recycling bin and your child will be occupied for a long time. #letyourimaginationrunwild
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Let's craft some tacos!
Color mixing encourages children to practice critical thinking skills, such as exploring cause and effect (through observing how colors mix together). In addition children get a chance to practice problem-solving by testing different ways to obtain a particular color. Using q-tips is a simple and fun way to paint, while helping to further develop fine motor skills. The "pinch" grip required to hold the small material in the hand and move it around the paper to paint, is an effective way for building on the smaller muscles of the hand.