Kids’ Mosaic Art Activity with Styrofoam Produce Trays

Here’s a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to make mosaic art! All you need is paint and a styrofoam produce tray. 

No matter how old or young you are, mosaic art is always fascinating to look at and fun to make. This art activity uses styrofoam produce trays for the mosaic tiles so it’s perfect for a mosaic project for toddlers and preschoolers.

We painted these styrofoam trays the other day when the kids wanted to do an art activity.  It was a great way for the kids to mess around with paint using something other than paper for their canvas.

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I had each hooligan select a different colour to paint their tray with.  I would recommend using acrylic craft paint. We used Crayola Washable Kids Paint but once dry it scratched and chipped easily so I put a clear coat of craft varnish over the paint to set it.

I wasn’t sure how we were going to use the painted trays so they sat overnight until I came up with an idea:  Mosaics.

Later in the week, we made these mosaic structures as well.

Getting children started with scissors:

Yesterday  I set out the trays and a jar of scissors, and we cut the trays up into smallish irregular sized pieces.  This is a wonderful way for young children to begin using scissors because styrofoam is easier to cut through than paper.

For more suggested materials for toddlers to strengthen their scissor skills on, please check out 5 scissor exercises for children.

Tips for toddlers and glue:

Next, the hooligans glued their styrofoam pieces onto a piece of black construction paper.

Squeezing a glue bottle is one way for young children to strengthen their hand muscles, which will help when it comes to using scissors, and later on when they’re learning to print.

For very young children who find a glue bottle too difficult to squeeze, pour a little glue into a small container, and have them use a craft stick or paint brush to apply the glue to their project.

Don’t they look lovely?

Such a simple idea, and so pretty.   Check out our styro-framed art creations if you’re looking for another simple and beautiful way to use produce trays for crafting with your toddlers and preschoolers!

More mosaic crafts for kids:

DVD Mosaic Ornaments

Mosaic Meat Tray Structures

Mosaic Paint Chip Art

More crafts and activities with styrofoam produce trays:

Spring Art for Toddlers with Styrofoam Trays

Salt Tray Pre-Writing Activity

Chalk Paint Art Activity

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Jackie Currie

Jackie is a mom, wife, home daycare provider, and the creative spirit behind Happy Hooligans. She specializes in kids’ crafts and activities, easy recipes, and parenting. She began blogging in 2011, and today, Happy Hooligans inspires more than 2 million parents, caregivers and Early Years Professionals all over the globe.