While children are in preschool, it is a good time to have them tap into their artistic or creative sides. Many children like to paint at that age. There are different games or activities that preschool age children can either do in a school setting or at home with their parents. Some supplies are necessary for these painting activities.
Ice Cube Painting
One activity or game you can do with your children or students is ice cube painting. You need a few supplies, such as ice cubes, paper, powdered tempera paint and a flat box, the type a 24-pack of pop comes in, or a large baking pan. Before starting this project, have the children change into old T-shirts that they don’t mind getting paint on. Set a sheet of paper in the box or baking pan. The paper does not need to cover the entire surface of the box or pan. Add a small quantity of tempera powder on the paper. Set the ice cube in the box and have the child shift the box around to create a painting. An alternative to using tempera paint is Jell-O powder or Kool-Aid drink mix.
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Squeeze Painting
Another activity you can do with preschool children is squeeze painting. You need a bowl, flour, salt, water, food coloring or liquid tempera paint, a squeeze bottle or small spoons, and paper. Again, have the children change or cover their clothes with old clothing that they do not mind getting paint on. Mix equal parts of salt, water and flour. If your children are using white paper, then add 3 or 4 drops of liquid tempera paint or food coloring. Leave the paint white if the children are using colored paper. Transfer the paint to squeeze bottles or use small spoons to dribble the paint on the paper. Allow the creations to dry.
Marker
This activity gives children a little more creativity. You need dried-up markers, tempera paint and white paper. Have the children change into old clothing before beginning the project. Allow the children to use the dried-up markers in the same manner as a paintbrush. Thoroughly dip the dried-up markers into the liquid tempera paint. Use the dipped markers on the paper to make anything they want such as a picture, a game or even writing. Have the children think about what they would like to draw prior to beginning.
Candle-Wax Painting
For this activity, you need a white wax candle, white watercolor paper, different water colored paint and a paintbrush. Again, have the children change into old clothing before they begin. Ask the children to draw whatever they like on the watercolor paper with the wax candle. At first, the entire drawing will barely be visible. After the children have finished, ask them to cover the entire sheets with watercolors by using the paintbrush. Wait for the paint to dry. After the paint dries, the wax used in the drawing will being to peek through the paint.