Introducing our very first guest blog post!
Amanda Johnson is a long time friend of Landis' Labyrinth and we're so excited to add her expertise to our blog and our community. You can read more about her at the end of the post but first, enjoy this creative, kid friendly activity perfect for a slow afternoon at home or a group play date.
MandiKid™ : Arts and Crafts
Ages: 1-5 years old
Project: Painted Toy Car Tracks and Animal Tracks
Materials:
* Paper (printer paper to construction paper, the larger the better)
* Tempera paint
* Paper plates or trays
* Toy cars, trains, trucks, toy animals (that are cleanable, preferably plastic)
* Optional:
images from old magazines or images printed off the Internet of a tree,
favorite cartoon character or anything the child finds interesting.
* Optional: Scotch Tape or Elmer's glue (if using images)
Instructions:
1) Put each color on an individual paper plate or trays.
2) Next, have each child pick the first toy they want to roll or walk through the paint.
3) Then show them how to “drive” or "walk" the toys on the paper and to only "drive" or "walk" them on the paper.
4) Now it's their turn so let the fun begin! For older
children, the optional "images" can be glued or taped creating a great
fun scene of animal tracks walking up to a tree. The possibilities are
endless. Once completed, you can ask them to tell you a story of where
the car drove or what kind of animal made the prints and did he go up
into the tree? This is optional, but helps further creative
development.
5)
When it's all done, I'd found children
love stomping on the paper afterwards. This will also help release extra
energy the children build up normally but in a fun way, inclusive of
the project.
6)
Clean up - the easy part. Have the child roll up all the paper he or she
doesn't want to keep and stack the paint plates or trays on top of each
other and they go easily into the trashcan.
HAVE FUN!
A little bit about Amanda:
"Amanda
Johnson began her calling in child development whilst studying at the
University of Louisville. Nearly a decade and a half later of continued
studies, teaching (Children's Aid Society, New York City) and private
consulting for both individuals and groups. Amanda has specifically
focused her work and program development with children ages 0.1-5 years
old.
Amanda
Johnson moved to Los Angeles
and continued her work with 0-5 child development in a myriad of
fashions. From consulting, guest lecturing, work shops for parents,
teachers, therapists to private and in rare instances where a curious
situation, Amanda has and will specifically with a family - managing the
educational and character building of the children and educating and
sharing tips with the parents, so after her departure with the kids now a
"MandiKid" - well behaved, good study habits. polite and well
socialized to progress and excel on ward from elementary school to
college."
If you are interested in any of her services, please call or e-mail Amanda at
