For day three of our at-home, screen free activities series, we’re taking a cue from a report in the US that opportunities for art can have a dramatic and positive effect on children’s academic performance, and we’re all about: paint!
The best kids painting ideas
Here’s today’s simple play challenge: will you paint with us?
When was the last time you brought out the colours and a big sheet of paper, and celebrated your child’s creativity with some fabulous painting?
If you do paint regularly, how about encouraging your child to try something new? Take a look at the ideas below to add a different twist to your painting today.
Reasons not to let your children paint
It’s so messy.
It gets everywhere.
They’ll get it all over their hands.
On their clothes.
In their hair.
Yes, it is. And yes they might. But, if this normally stops you from painting with your child, just for today, will you put that aside and give it a try? Because…
The complex learning as we paint
Painting is a joyful celebration of your children, of their creativity, their spirit, and their inner personality.
It allows children to come alive and explore their senses: discovering colour, texture, smells, movements and images.
It helps develop skills that are vital to language and mathematical learning.
As they hold paint brushes in their hands and flex their wrists and develop finger strength, they are getting ready to hold pencils and write.
As they draw shapes, make swirls, and create patterns, they are switching on the mathematical thoughts in their brains.
And as they mix colours, experiment with different types of paint and paper, and discover what happens when they add more water, you are encouraging a young scientist designing their first experiments.
So today, please join us. Grab a sheet, a drop cloth, some old towels or some newspaper.
Cover the floor and the table.
Pop on an apron or an old shirt. And try some glorious painting with us.
You can keep it super simple or give it an interesting twist.
Art ideas for creative kids
Here are ten super art activities for young children that you can use to invite your kids to enjoy the delight of colourful, creative, art explorations.
:: paint cats
:: paint with homemade paint brushes
:: download my Art Spark process art curriculum
:: Explore Great Artists and create masterpieces of your own
:: download my kit to Run Your Own Art Camp
More at-home, screen free activities for children
Follow long with our programme of at-home, screen free activities for children here.
Fantastic ideas for practitioners working in the early years
I realllllllly LOVE the direction you are taking on creativity for kids this year. I absolutely agree with the words in your last post about pushing the bar, the wow factor, & missing the simplicity of creating the SKILLS that are required to CREATE at all period. I am on board with you. LO comes home shortly, im dragging out the drop sheets, large paper roll, & possibly some potato stamps! See which direction SHE goes!
Thanks again, great stuff.
Jeanine ;D
Excellent ideas!!!! Thank you for sharing! !! I’d love to see more.