Despite how a blog can make things seem, we are not constantly doing super neato art projects over here. Sure, we do a fair amount but I sometimes think if there's anything I collect as a hobby, its ideas for neato art projects. I do love pointing Huck in a certain direction and then stepping back and letting him really get creative with some new material, or making art based on something we're learning about. And I love having a variety of materials--pencils, crayons, markers, papers, little books--available to him for whenever he wants to make something completely self-inspired.
But sometimes...sometimes...there's just too much going on.
Sometimes he wants to paint right as Jemima needs to be put down for a nap. Sometimes he decides he must have an art project while I've got 3 pots going on the stove and a baby underfoot. Sure, I could tell him to wait, but occasionally I take a different tack.

Busy work. I keep a nice supply of little workbook type projects handy. Minimal skill is required and there's very little room for creativity but I use these when my intention is not to challenge him creatively, but to keep him busy without direct supervision ort much chance of disaster. When there's no time to set up a whole area, no time to wash him up afterwards, no time to sit with him and talk about it or participate.
Kumon coloring, folding, cutting and maze books are great and really do help build certain skills and teach following directions, but Paint With Water
and Crayola Color Wonder
Books are perfect for this intention, too.
Just because these types of projects don't fit into your art or education philosophy doesn't mean they don't have their place in a busy household. Using them judiciously means when you do bring them out they feel exciting and fun, instead of boring and limiting.















































