Put a small amount of paint on a sheet of construction paper.
Let the child hold an ice cube using the thumb, index finger, and middle finger only.
Have the child move the ice cube over the paint and spread it on the paper.
You may also use powder paint for this activity.
You can use the Colored Ice Cubes activity to make the ice cubes for this activity.
Use the scissors to cut 1/2 inch wide lines along the toilet paper roll. Do not cut all the way to the other side. These will become the flower petals.
Paint the cut toilet paper roll.
Put a few glue dots on the tissue paper.
Crumple the tissue paper to a ball. This will be the flower pistil in the center.
Glue the crumpled tissue paper to the painted toilet paper roll.
We made this version of an American flag, using red and blue paint, marbles, and aluminum foil pan.
Tape a piece of construction paper to the bottom of the aluminum foil pan.
We will use another piece of construction paper to create a template that will help separate the red paint and the blue paint on the flag.
Ask the child to cut a rectangle shape from the construction paper. Keep both pieces of the construction paper.
Tape the small rectangle template on the top right corner.
Dip the marbles in blue color or squeeze blue color on the construction paper in a few spots.
Place the marbles in the aluminum foil pan and ask the child to move the foil pan from side to side to create long blue lines.
Remove the small rectangle template and place the rest of the construction paper on top of the blue colored lines.
Dip marbles in red color or squeeze red color on the construction paper in a few spots.
Place the marbles in the aluminum foil pan and ask the child to move the foil pan from side to side.
Remove the construction paper to uncover the American flag.
Instruct the child to turn the cup upside down and dip the rim into the paint. Fingers should spread across the bottom of the cup for a firm grasp.
Place the paint covered rim firmly on the paper to make the ring. Repeat desired amount of times with each color chosen. The cup should be re-dipped for each new ring.
Be sure to instruct the child to keep the cups on the designated color plate so the colors do not run and blend. (E.g. blue cup with blue paint, red with red, etc.)
Benefits of this activity:
1. Holding the cup with the fingers all spread apart strengthen the thumb muscles and deep muscles in the hand that play a key role in the dexterity required for moving a pencil for writing and drawing.
2. A motor sequence occurs as the child dips, places the cup on the paper and repeats this.
3. Eye-hand motor coordination occurs as the child plans where to place the cup. The dramatic colors draw the child’s eyes to the paper.
4. Matching colors-correct plate for the paint covered cup
5. Planning a design may occur.
Note: For children with tactile sensitivities, be sure to have a towel or source for washing hands nearby.
For this activity, use a gallon size Ziplock bag.
Place approximately 1/2 cup of tempera paint in the ziplock bag, remove air and seal. Work the paint around until it filled the bag.
Have child make lines, shapes or letters by moving his finger along outside of the bag.
As an alternative, you can use shaving cream mixed with food coloring instead of the tempera paint.
