Skill
Explores Art Materials
Toddler investigates crayons, paint, and dough through open-ended marks.
Ages 12–36 months
Why it matters
Before children make pictures of things, they explore what art materials can do: how a crayon drags, how finger paint smears, how dough squishes. This sensory, process-focused exploration builds fine-motor control, cause-and-effect understanding, and the confidence to make a mark of one's own.
Builds toward this milestone
- uses creativity to increase understanding and learning. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Makes intentional marks, scribbles, or impressions with a chosen material.
- Explores at least two properties of a material, such as pressing and smearing paint.
- Stays engaged with the process rather than seeking a finished product.
How to observe it
- Does the toddler experiment freely, or wait to be shown what to do?
- Which materials draw the child back again and again?
Accessibility
- Offer chunky grips, taped-down paper, or edible dough for children who mouth materials or need adapted tools.
Safety
- Use non-toxic, washable materials and supervise closely to prevent mouthing of small or hazardous items.
Activities
Evidence
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas