How-to prepare | Art Doodle coloring station for toddlers

I host creative events and art classes for children regularly. Teachers and parents love how I set up fun art spaces, and want to know how can they mimic this in their spaces. So here’s my quick tips for setting up this inviting doodling stations for little ones. Believe it or not, it’s very simple to set up and you too can create this welcoming coloring station children will to stop at. You can prepare this space in a tiny area, classroom, kitchen table, or even outdoors. In my book “Nurturing Children in The Visual Arts Naturally” I go far more in-depth about the importance of these spaces that cultivate creative moments for your child or classroom.

What you’ll need:

Low table for toddlers to reach, either new, old, up-cycled any type of table will work.
Chairs if you want, kids usually don’t mind standing or kneeling. You will need to keep an eye on young tots with small chairs.
Large roll of paper, craft or butcher block paper found in craft stores or online.
Doodling supplies: crayons, color pencils, and pencils.
A well lighted area so kids can see colors.

Preparing table

Step 1. Cut paper to table size with scissors.
Step 2. Fasten to table with tape, large tape works best clear, or masking tape.
Step 3. Place doodling supplies out to invite kids to create.
Step 4. Make some inviting marks so small children understand its OK to draw on large paper.

“Doodling always happens before kids learn to draw” Spramani Elaun

Book Excerpts:

Chapter 12.

Doodling First Before Drawing

Doodling is simple free style drawing by making line shapes without three dimensional perspectives. Doodling is the first stage to learning to draw. It occurs at the same time children learn to write. Doodling can be driven by many playful imaginative ideas. Doodling can also be a way for a child to express their emotions. Many opportunities for doodling freely should be allowed. You should not correct your child’s doodles.

Spramani Elaun

Learn more about the most up-to-date book how children learn to draw and paint.

For big kids too!

Craft or butcher block paper works great with older teens and adults too. My daughter grew up with these creative drawing tables so now she sets up her own work space with craft paper when she works on her journal mix-media projects.

You can make these fun spaces for kids!

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