Giant Sponge Squish Art

Giant Sponge Squish Art

Steps:

  • Tape a large sheet of Butcher Paper securely to the floor. Set up a paint station (a shallow bowl with Tempera Paint) just to one side of the paper.
  • Encourage your child to kneel or squat beside the paper, not directly over it. This position naturally encourages core engagement and balance.
  • Have your child dip a sponge into the paint. The challenge is to use two hands to press the sponge down firmly onto the paper, making a ‘squish’ sound and mark. Make sure they reach far across their body to stamp marks on the opposite side of the paper (crossing midline).
  • Vary the required force: Ask them to make ‘strong’ marks (heavy work input) and then ‘light’ marks to practice motor control.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is dry before beginning and supervise closely to prevent slips, especially when working with wet paint or sponges.

Tracing Stencils

Stencil Trace

For this activity, you can use many different types of stencils to trace.

Provide the child with different stencils and have him/her trace inside or outside the stencil.

The child can also finger-paint inside these stencils.

Helpful Tip:

If the child has difficulties with bilateral hand use, you may want to tape the stencil to the surface the child works on.

Squeeze and Paint

Fill up the spray bottle with water and food coloring.

Have the child grasp the neck of the spray bottle using his/her little finger, ring finger, and thumb.

Have the child put his/her index finger and middle finger on the trigger.

Ask the child to squeeze the trigger and spray the coffee filter/butcher paper to create a colorful picture.