Textured Paper Painting

Ages:: Preschoolers (3 to 5), School age (6+)
Play time:: 20 to 30 minutes
Setup:: 5 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

Paper bags are thicker than regular paper, so cutting them builds hand strength. Spraying, squeezing and smoothing the paper add more work for the hands, and painting the bumpy paper gives your child a new texture to explore.

Steps

Draw a big rectangle on the blank side of a paper bag.
Ask your child to cut out the rectangle. Paper bags are thicker than paper, so take breaks as needed.
Fill a squirt bottle with water and let your child spray the paper all over until it is damp.
Ask your child to squeeze the wet paper into a tight ball with both hands.
Open the paper and smooth it flat with both hands.
Let the paper dry, then paint it with a brush or with fingers.

Safety tip: Stay close while your child uses scissors. Wipe up spilled water right away so the floor does not get slippery, and wash hands after painting.

Make it easier

Draw a smaller rectangle so there is less to cut.
Cut the rectangle for your child and start with spraying.
Use a squirt bottle with a big trigger that is easy to squeeze.

Make it harder

Draw a rectangle with wavy sides to cut.
Spray with only the pointer and middle fingers on the trigger.
Paint a picture or simple shapes on the dry paper.

What to watch for

Notice whether the helper hand holds the thick paper close to the blades.
Watch which fingers your child uses on the squirt bottle.
If wet paper or paint on the hands bothers your child, offer a brush and keep a damp cloth nearby.

Where this helps in daily life

Cutting thicker paper builds strength for cardboard crafts and opening packages. Squeezing a squirt bottle uses the same hand muscles as watering plants.