I absolutely love painting with Possum but, lets face it, the thought of cleaning it all up can be a little off putting at times. So here is a great mess free painting activity that is easy for you to set up and your children will absolutely love!
Materials You'll Need -
- Large clear plastic sealable bag
- Paints (whatever you've got)
- Sticky or masking tape
How to paint without the mess!
Simply add a few squirts of paint into a large sealable plastic bag. Ensure it's sealed well and stick the bag to the window with basic sticky tape or masking tape. Your little one will be able to use their fingers to move the paint around but without getting messy.
Cue that sigh of relief! ;)
Quite quickly you'll find that the blobs of paint inside the bag begin to spread and merge. It's wonderful to watch the children as they do this and make a conscious effort to spread the paint within the bag.
MATHEMATICS
As you can see, children can be as creative as they like. Here is an example of how they can explore numbers using this clever painting technique. This approach can really help reluctant learners to take on mathematical challenges but in a fun and positive way.
Some ideas you might like to try with your school aged child -
- Can you write a number with your eyes closed? Sensory learning experience
- What is your phone number? How many times do you need to life your finger to write that phone number? Number formations
- Can you write the numbers backwards from 10? Counting down
- {write a number} Write the number that comes before/after that given number?
- {write a number problem} Can you solve this addition/subtraction/division/multiplication problem in your head? developing mathematical concepts
LITERACY
Of course children can also use this painting method to learn more literacy skills. The paint really allows the child to see where they have been and they can also reflect on their own progress.
Some ideas you might like to try with your child at home -
- Can you write your name? Surname? Letter formations
- What letter of the alphabet comes before/after the letter ___? Alphabet knowledge
- How many times do you need to lift your finger to write that letter?
- {Write a word with missing letters} Can you fill in the blanks? Spelling
As you can see this creative approach opens up many, many doors for children to learn, engage and have fun all at the same time. Whilst your child plays you can help develop important language skills and ask them to describe what they see or feel. Otherwise you can simply tell them what you are doing eg. "Look at the lovely swirly line I'm drawing".
I also like the simplicity of this activity and encourage you to add only two colours. By doing this you are allowing your child to really focus on how colours merge and change when mixed together. It's a great idea to have them predict what colour they may see before it actually happens.
Now I'm adding this picture (above) simply because I love it. Since having these mess-free painting bags available for Possum to play with this has been a very common sight. I adore it and encourage you to provide this opportunity to your little ones.
Kate x
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Love to read your comments below.
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