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2-3 years15-25 minEasy

Paper Plate Faces

Draw a face on a paper plate with crayons and markers labeled for the child's age. This guide covers setup, drawing, and display.

Age Safety Note

This activity is intended for children aged 2-3 with adult supervision. Art supplies are not food, even when labeled non-toxic. Follow product age labels, prevent mouthing, and avoid loose decorations if the child mouths objects.

What This Activity Offers

Drawing a face on a paper plate leaves room for personal choices. A caregiver can invite the child to pick colors or describe the features they add; the result may be abstract, funny, or simple.

Materials Needed

  • Paper plates

    Standard white dinner plates work perfectly. The sturdy ones hold up better to enthusiastic decorating.

  • Crayons

    Choose crayons labeled for the child's age, inspect them for damage, and supervise to prevent mouthing.

  • Washable markers

    Use only products labeled for the child's age and follow their directions.

Prep Tips (Before You Start)

  • 1Cover the work surface and set out only the age-labeled crayons and markers you plan to use.
  • 2Put out a few colors at a time; offer more if the child asks.
  • 3Keep a damp cloth nearby for cleanup.
  • 4Use a stable table and seat, and stay close while the child draws.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Sit down together and look at the paper plate. Ask your toddler, 'Who should we make today?' Don't be surprised if they say a pet, a grandparent, or a character from their favorite show.
  2. 2Hand over the crayons and let your child draw the face. Resist the urge to guide their hand or 'fix' anything. A face with three eyes and a sideways nose is absolutely perfect.
  3. 3While they draw, describe the marks you notice: 'I see blue eyes and a pink mouth.' Follow the child's lead without correcting the drawing.
  4. 4Invite the child to add drawn details such as hair, glasses, or a hat; skip loose pieces if mouthing is possible.
  5. 5Look at the finished drawing together and ask an open question if the child wants to talk about it.
  6. 6Find a special spot to display the artwork—the fridge, their bedroom door, or mailed to a grandparent who'd love a handmade portrait.

Fun Variations to Try

  • •Make animal faces by drawing features such as cat ears or a bunny nose. Avoid loose decorations that a child could mouth.
  • •Create a 'feelings plate' where you make a happy face, sad face, or surprised face together and talk about emotions.
  • •Use different crayon colors or draw a background around the face.
  • •Make a family portrait series with one plate for each family member, including pets!

Cleanup Tips

  • Crayons wipe off tables and hands easily with a baby wipe or damp cloth.
  • Leftover paper plates stack perfectly in a drawer or pantry for next time.
  • If glue dried on the table, a damp cloth left on it for a minute loosens it right up.

Additional Tips

  • If your toddler loses interest quickly, that's okay! Even five minutes of creating is valuable.
  • Don't ask 'what is it?' Instead say 'tell me about your picture' to avoid making them feel judged.
  • Some kids want to make many plates in one sitting—go with their energy!
  • Keep one 'perfect' plate of yarn and crayons ready to go for impromptu crafting sessions.

References & Further Reading

General background resources for readers. They do not verify or test any specific activity, material, or setup described on this site.

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