The first marks children make on paper are purely experimental – often incidental! As they notice the effect, they repeat and gradually master control of their creative media, and from there a whole new world of communication begins to open up. Drawing and painting (however primitive in form) are their picture language.
Mia loves art work and can sit for long periods of time to create her vision. Because of her age, Mia isn’t quite ready for a free range of art supplies. Instead, I prepare work for her in a tray and it works much better. There is no perfect outcome or expectation and the creative possibilities are endless.

28 Comments
Lauren | also known as mama
I love this post! I always see cute wooden trays like this in thrift stores, and this is the perfect idea for them! Thanks for sharing, mama!
Leky83
Thank you Lauren!
Jessica Peresta
Wow! These are really a fun idea and so creative!
Leky83
Thank you Jessica!
Krystal Sadler
I absolutely love Montessori philosophies! These trays are age appropriate and open-ended. And your little one is adorable! Thanks for sharing!
Leky83
Thank you so much Krystal!
Erica Nicole
I absolutely love this! I’ve been trying to find more hands on Montessori activities for my toddler!
Leky83
Thank you Erica!
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries
My daughter loved art at that age and still does. I love how those trays help kids stay focused on the one project.
Leky83
Thank you Corey!
hanna
I love these! I’ve been thinking about getting some sort of organizer to make into ready activities like these!
Leky83
It is much easier specially with toddlers.
Vicki @ Babies to Bookworms
I love the idea of rotating these out! I will have to put some of our art supplies together in trays that my daughter can choose from!
Leky83
Thank you Vicki!
Amelia Furman
Trays would make our art mess so much easier! What a great idea:) Dollar store, here I come! My boys constantly switch between painting, coloring, paper cutting, playdough and the like. Oh, what about doing a bead stringing tray? The tray might help contain the mess. Hmmm….
Leky83
Bead stringing tray is on my list 🙂 Thanks Amelia!
Megan
I absolutely love this! What an awesome idea. Now I need to go out and get some cute trays to play with 🙂
Leky83
Thank you Megan!
Francesca
These are all such great ideas! My daughter would love these!
Leky83
Thank you Francesca!
Sharon Chen
Looks like she’s having fun with art! Your daughter is so adorable 😉
Leky83
Thank you Sharon!
Sarah | Now One Foot
I love the beautiful simplicity of these trays and I love how it allows so much room for creativity and doesn’t overwhelm littles with too many options!!!
Leky83
Thank you Sarah!
Nicole Banuelos
These are so cute, my kids would love them!
Leky83
Thank you Nicole!
Lindsey
Fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing. Want to try with my 3-year-old!
Leky83
Thank you Lindsey!