Marker tie dye is one of those activities that I can count on to keep children engaged no matter what. It’s a science experiment disguised as a magic trick and it requires very few supplies or materials. The idea is simple; children use washable marker to color on a coffee filter and then they spray their coffee filter with water from a spray bottle.  When the children spray the coffee filter with water the colors from the markers bleed together, creating a tie dye look.  Once the coffee filters dry they are perfect for hanging in windows where light will shine through, or for other projects. Over the years I’ve…

Yes, you read that title right, permanent markers.  Think about it – all of those other art supplies you use make a colossal mess, so why not use permanent markers too? Sure, they might get on your tables, or on the children’s hands, but if you take the same precautions that you would for paint – covering the table or using a tray, making sure the children wear smocks, etc. –  then you can minimize the mess.  Plus, it’s a great opportunity to talk to the children about using the markers appropriately, and expressing your expectations clearly.  If you want to be prepared with a few clean up tricks up…