| Painting opens up a world of colour and communication | | | | you can use, then you can always put some plastic on |
| for children and is a wonderful way for them to create. | | | | the table and this will suffice. |
| There are many simple and exciting alternatives to | | | | Please bear in mind that most paints are easily |
| using a paint brush. | | | | washed off surfaces and hands with hot soapy water |
| String painting is easy and is a great way for children | | | | but please check the instructions to be certain! Once |
| to pattern paint. You just wrap some string around a | | | | the children have finished their painting, put a piece of |
| small wooden block (this could be a building block that | | | | paper on top and peel it off. Put it somewhere to dry |
| your children play with). A square or rectangle shape is | | | | and then they have a print of their art work to show |
| better, but make sure that it is big enough for the child | | | | to family and friends. |
| to hold easily. To aid in your child's learning, it is best to | | | | Here are some other quick tips and alternatives that |
| have a variety of different sizes handy. Prepare some | | | | your children may enjoy that can also be used for |
| paint and pour it into some old polystyrene trays or | | | | printing... |
| any tray that you can afford to use for lots of painting | | | | - Cotton bud painting can encourage children to paint in |
| activities. Dip the block into the paint and press on the | | | | a different way, which develops fine motor skills. |
| paper and you're done! | | | | - Cotton wool has a different feel and texture to it. |
| Marble painting is another way for children to have fun | | | | - Paint rollers are fun to use on large rectangular areas. |
| and also learn hand eye coordination whilst creating | | | | So this would be ideal for example, if you are planning |
| different patterns. Prepare some paint and put it in a | | | | on painting a red cardboard bus. |
| container that has deep sides, such as an old baking | | | | - Cotton reels and corks can be used for pattern |
| tray or a shallow cardboard box. The top of a shoe | | | | painting. |
| box is an excellent example providing that it is still | | | | - Sponges cut into different shapes can be a great |
| strong and intact. Put some paper in the bottom of the | | | | way to recycle and you can use both their rough and |
| tray with a small amount of paint (you can use two or | | | | smooth sides in painting. Some examples of shapes |
| three different colours at a time). Drop a marble in the | | | | you can use are rectangles and circles and a diamond |
| tray and let the children move the marble backwards | | | | or star. You can also purchase sponge shapes from a |
| and forwards, sideways etc. to create their own work | | | | good toy shop, or you can order them from |
| of art. | | | | educational supply magazines. |
| Finger painting develops the child's sensory skills as | | | | - Other ideas include the cardboard rolls inside |
| they feel and touch the paint. Put some paint on an old | | | | household foil and plastic wrap, plastic forks or jar lids. |
| table and let the children put their hands in it and make | | | | Just remember to let those creative juices flow. |
| their own designs. If you do not have an old table that | | | | |