Using an art program requires children to move a mouse with some degree of precision while also holding down the button - 'dragging'. These are difficult skills for young children to develop, so the first step may well be to use the fill tool (usually a paint bucket icon) to encourage them to fill areas of the screen with different colours.
To do this you don't necessarily need art software. There are CD-Roms, such as Reader Rabbit Toddler, and websites that have online colouring programs, for example Bob the Builder, Kinder Art and Colouring Corner. These allow the user to select pictures and colours from a paint palette. Some completed pictures may animate. These programs will develop essential directional mouse movement skills and an understanding of the fill and palette tools.
Similar results can also be achieved within your art software. There are many art programs, but don't forget that all computers come with basic art software, for example Paint for Windows that is accessed by clicking Start - Programs - Accessories - Paint.
Use your art software to create some outline drawings such as a house, umbrella or ball with lots of areas for children to colour fill, and perhaps some optional details. Save and test the file for gaps between sections, allowing the colours to run through. Make it read-only to stop children from saving over your original artwork. To do this, browse to find the file, right mouse click it, check the read-only box and click OK. You could also use black and white clipart or download images from websites such as http://dltk-kids.com.
Add children's names to any finished work and save. Rather than printing their masterpieces, display them on screen using PowerPoint or PhotoJam.
I'll cover how to do this in a future article - perfect entertainment for parents' evening.
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