At our school, we participate in many arts/crafts and literacy activities to teach children from different angles and perspectives. For example, when learning about the life cycle of the frog, each student will make a puppet, read a story book, stamp as they count, and sing songs, which will allow them to regurgitate and express the qualities of a frog. Children use puppets to project their feelings and gain a sense of confidence, despite sometimes introverted personalities, behind the mask of another being.

For the second example, we make a collage using recycled papers, cans, and soda bottles on Earth Day. This activity not only teaches the children about recycling but it allows the children express their artistic abilities. It enables children to retain new knowledge for longer periods of time because of the memorable experience of having fun sorting through a box of miscellaneous items on their own.

Creating art by using a unique variety of common everyday items such as sponges, jar rims, even the children's own hands are delightful activities. Fall leaves that the children themselves collect at the park across the street (Kissena Park) is another great example of everyday items we use in creating art. They use the different leaves to make an imprint on their own. They can also be used to teach counting by making several stamps and write down the total number of stamps they have made.

Hands-on creativities are far different from just coloring pictures because it permits children to make mistakes, get messy, and learn from experience. Painting, clay, drawing, finger painting, mobiles, weaving, are excellent expressive tools. Some of these activities allow children to be messy by dirtying their hands and arms. Children are allowed ample space to express their thoughts and feelings freely on large papers. These art projects are especially therapeutic for children of all ages.