Partner art project
4–5 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Large paper, crayons, markers, or paint
Give children one large piece of paper and art supplies to share. Together, they create one piece of art, taking turns adding to it or working on different parts simultaneously. They must talk about their ideas, share materials, and decide together when the artwork is complete. This teaches negotiation, sharing resources, and creating something together rather than separately.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Give children one large piece of paper and art supplies to share. Together, they create one piece of art, taking turns adding to it or working on different parts simultaneously. They must talk about their ideas, share materials, and decide together when the artwork is complete. This teaches negotiation, sharing resources, and creating something together rather than separately.
Why It Works
Early social-emotional skills, including cooperation and sharing, predict long-term outcomes across multiple life domains. Students with better social skills in kindergarten were 54 percent more likely to earn a high school diploma, twice as likely to graduate from college, and 46 percent more likely to have a full-time job by age 25 (Jones, D. E., Greenberg, M., & Crowley, M., 2015). Practicing cooperation through shared creative activities builds these essential skills during a critical developmental window.
Tips for Parents
Before starting, help children discuss what they want to create together. Encourage phrases like, "Can I use that next?" or "What if we add this here?"
Resist the urge to direct the art. Let children negotiate and problem-solve together, even if it gets messy.
Materials Needed
Large paper, crayons, markers, or paint
Learning Methods
Cooperative LearningProject-Based and Thematic LearningStructured Academic Learning
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