More Painting Ideas

Painting with various medium is a great way to increase children’s eye-hand coordination. There are so many items you can use, be creative and just try your ideas.  Here are a few suggestions to get you started.  The possibilities with paint are unlimited.

Alphabet Block Prints

Using alphabet blocks with raised letters, dip in thick paint and press on manila paper.

Pine Needles

Dip the tips of the needles in white paint and stroke across black construction paper, or they can be dipped in colored paint and stroked on manila paper.

Fingertip Prints

Place a sponge on a plate and put paint over it.  The child then presses one finger at a time on the sponge and applies it to paper.

Colored Chalk

Here are two different methods for you to try.

1.  Child dips the end of the chalk in water and then applies it to manila paper.
2.  Child immerses manila paper into a pan of water and removes it immediately.  Dry  colored chalk is then used.

Ice Cubes

Start by placing a blog of thick paint on manila paper or finger paint paper.  Have children push the paint across the paper with an ice cube.  A paper napkin or paper toweling may be wrapped on the top of the ice cube to make it less cold for little hands.

Sports Ball Prints

Using golf, tennis, ping-pong balls, etc. dip them in thick paint and printed or stroke over manila paper.

Painting with Toy Cars

The wheels of the car are dipped in tempera paint that is mixed with liquid starch.  The car is then wheeled over manila or other paper.

Potato Prints

Cut potatoes in half and carve a shape on them.  Instruct your child to dip a half-potato into thick paint and press it on manila paper.

Fruit Prints

Using two apples, the first is cut in half from top to bottom; the second is cut in half around the middle.  Let the child dip an apple-half into thick paint and press it on manila paper.

 

Painting with Cotton Swabs

There are many items that you can use for children to explore with art.  Here is some economical, creative ideas for art activities.  Provide the materials and the children will create beautiful works of art.  Remember art looks different to everyone.  Let the children explain what their art means rather than labeling their work for them.  You may be surprised at their explanations!

Painting with Cotton Swabs (Eye-Hand Coordination)

Materials                                                                                         Two or three colors of tempera paint, plastic bowls to hold the paint, cotton swabs and manila paper.

Procedure                                                                                     Cotton swabs are place in or near each bowl of paint. The child dips the end of a cotton swab into the paint and then applies it to a sheet of paper.

Note: Cotton swabs can become overloaded with paint. They should be replaced with fresh ones when this happens.

My next blog will provide additional ideas for painting or printing using uncommon implements.  Stay tuned.

Fall Activities!!!

Fall can be considered one of the most beautiful seasons of the year! This time of year can also bring about many fun “DIY” (do it yourself) projects for your home, school, and as a way to spend time with your family.  Here are a few fun things that can be done as a Childcare provider and a parent:

• Make Apple Prints
• Jump into a pile of freshly raked leaves
• Pick out different leaves to make a Leaf Portrait
• Decor for your home, hollow out pumpkins to make Candles
• Take Family pictures! Find an area filled with big trees and nice colorful leaves for a fun background.

Visit Today’s Parent website to find more Family Fun activities!!

Halloween Bubble Wrap Stamping

Looking for a fun, inexpensive way to make some Oct. decorations?   Halloween Bubble Wrap Stamping may be a great idea for you and your children.  The one thing I like about this type of activity is there is no right or wrong way for a child to be creative.   Let them be come up with their own designs.  Great for small motor skills and sensory activities.  Depending on the age of the child, if they cannot cut you can pre-make some of the items.  Keep in mind the age you are working with and make sure activities are developmentally appropriate. For more information on how to create with bubble wrap view:

Halloween Bubble Wrap Stamping

Of course you would not have to limit this to October and Halloween, the possibilities are endless for using this medium throughout the year.  I actually was looking for new ideas and came across this on the Kix website.  I spent quite a bit of time becoming familiar with the website and could not wait to share it with you.  I do not endorse any specific products on this blog, but it is has a plethora of wonderful resource for ideas.  There are enough things to keep you busy all month.  So check out KIX, if you look under Get Inspired you will find ideas, crafts and recipes.  I would encourage you to bookmark it, I did!