I was visiting my local Daiso store where everything you see is $2.80. You can imagine how strangely thrilled I was to see a pack including three kitchen cleaners, which included a sponge, soap-free scourer and bristle brush for next to nothing in price.
Sure, some people would use these in the kitchen, I use them as tools for crazy painting activities and for sensory exploration.
You've seen us paint with nature and make gifts from painted footprints but this was to be an experience that was going to be quite unique and hopefully lots of fun.
Here is what I used in the set up -
- kitchen cleaners
- watercolour paints
- paper
- patty pans for paints
- micador splash mat
- damp cloth to clean up mess
Possum instantly went for the simple sponge, probably because it was the most familiar to her. I loved the way she pressed it into the paint and soaked up the two combining colours before stamping it onto the paper. This action reminded me of my previous potato stamping activity.
Teachable moment -
- Discuss colours and how they can change when mixed together
- Use language to describe the actions they are doing eg. press, press, press
- Provide praise and encouragement to extend concentration and remaining focused on the the task at hand
The scourer was the item I was most curious to see Possum paint with. The hundreds of soft metal curls made really interesting marks on the paper, very different to what impressions were made using the sponge.
Teachable moment -
- Children to describe how the markings are different or the same and explain why
- Provide them time to feel the texture of each item as a sensory experience
Next was the bristle brush. In my mind I expected to see tiny paint marks from each hair on the brush, however, I was surprised by the outcome. The bristles were so tough that the printing marks were more of a solid shape. I found that by demonstrating to Possum how she could wave the brush over the page it would make different marks than used in a printing action.
Teachable moment -
- Highlight how the painting marks differ depending on what tool is used
- Point to various areas of the paper to encourage listening to instructions
And lets face it, sometimes you just need to throw down all the tools and finger paint. The whole activity makes for the perfect sensory exploration and a chance to just be creative and have fun.
Possum became quite interested in the paint filled patty pans. This photograph was taken just before she took a big dip and ate it! Whoops. Lucky for non toxic paints.
Always a good idea to have a damp cloth nearby.
And so the masterpiece is now complete. We hung it up on the collapsed clothes line and secured it with lots of pegs. It has been particularly windy where we are and so every peg was absolutely vital! LOL
This piece is currently on display on our fridge and a popular talking point for guests. If you have smaller children then you might like to consider making some edible finger paints.
I hope you've enjoyed this post. Please make comments below.
Kate x
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