Painting

• Painting is something that children of all ages can enjoy and pre-school children love it. Brushes will keep the toddler's hand relatively clean but they will probably be happier finger painting. A blank piece of paper will allow them to be creative and make whatever patterns and shapes they like. Or give them a template to try and draw inside. Add some paint to the paper and let the child blow it around with a straw. Children can also use crumpled-up newspaper by dipping it into some paint and rubbing it against the plain paper. Be prepared for this to get messy, gather an ample supply of newspapers to protect the tables and some aprons or old clothes for the kids.
  
  

Holidays and Special Days

• Arts and crafts really come alive as those big holidays arrive. Draw a Christmas tree outline on a piece of paper. Cut out a large supply of decoration objects from paper and give them to each child with some glue. The toddlers will have great fun decorating their own Christmas trees. Or bend some card in half and give the children some crayons to make a Mother's Day card. Don't expect the Mona Lisa, but their mothers will appreciate them. Of course, these cards can work on all holidays and special occasions year round.
  
  

Adult Assistance

• Just because some activities are too old for the nursery child doesn't mean they can't join in on the fun. Take on tasks that an older child would be able to handle solo by taking responsibility for the steps that are not suitable for the toddler. For example, make some pasta jewelry. Mixing a solution of rubbing alcohol and food coloring will dye the pasta all different colors. Let the child drop the pasta into the solution and choose which piece will go where on the necklace. Don't be put off by crafts that require scissors either, simply cut out whatever is needed before the children arrive.
  
  

Other Nursery Crafts

• There are so many craft projects to with nursery children, just be creative and think of what the toddlers would have the most fun doing. They can make their own footprint T-shirts by standing in paint and then walking on the white piece of clothing. These make great presents for parents. Sticking to the foot theme, get one child to stand on a piece of paper while another draws around her feet with a crayon. The toddlers could also make a pattern of glue on a piece of paper. Supply them with a bowl of glitter, sprinkles or other materials and let them drop it onto the card and watch it magically stick.