Free Painting

• Paint

• Paint brushes or sponges

• Platform for painting (canvas, paper, box, egg cartons)

Before this, Theo had only painted once when he was about 10 months old. Today he had a blast. It was all new for him! Knowing his age and abilities, I only introduced 3 colors-primaries-red, blue and yellow.

I did introduce many different sponges and brushes to paint with. Before we even started painting, I let Theo play with and explore the sponges and brushes. Then one color at a time, I poured them out (into an egg carton-makes great small cups for paint!) This gave me an opportunity to properly introduce the colors. Once I did this for each, I let him go at it!

He was a natural and very into it. Even though it was a small painting surface, Theo spent time covering and layering every last bit of it. This soon became a finger-painting activity, (Theo’s choice).

A lot of parents are “against” painting or “messy” activities in the house, but there are ways to get around this:

1. Choose washable paint (I always do)

2. Prepare the working space-lay down newspapers-blankets, etc. if you are worried about a mess.

3. Set expectations- if your child is a bit older you can let them know you expect the paint to stay in the designated area that you have set up. G

GUYS, you can even throw your little one in the bathtub to paint and then after, just turn the water on and it all washes away. Seriously though, it’s so easy and this way your child is still getting to their messy (but enriching) activity that they really benefit from.

They learn colors, get in some sensory play (more than likely), and get to express themselves-because a lot of times it’s hard to!