* Put some cornflour in a large, low-sided tray and encourage the toddler to mix in some concentrated fruit juice with their hands. Let them paint the mixture over the tray, making patterns with a stick, pencil, brush or finger.
* Celebrate children's responses to art by creating an art gallery at their eye level. Frames where pictures can easily be changed on a regular basis should be used.
* Bring out a past piece of work the child has created for them to look at. Invite them to add to it, hang it somewhere in the room or take it home.
* Place some paper on a table top with saucers of baby oil, pastels and soft chalks. Urge children to spread the baby oil on the paper and then to choose some chalk or pastels to make marks on the paper. They can also dip the chalk in the oil and use it to make marks. When hung against a window, the oil-covered spots will shine and the marks glisten in the light.
Want more ideas?
* See Play and Learning for the Under-3s by Jennie Lindon, Kevin Kelman and Alice Sharp (9.99), a new book from Nursery World, which is packed full of activity ideas. To order your copy call the Nursery World bookshop on 01454 617370, fax us on 01454 618263 or visit www.nursery-world.com
