Painting
Painting is a traditional activity in early childhood education. Babies can enjoy the experience of finger painting while preschool children can experiment with different techniques.
Painting is an empowering and flexible form of visual art for young children, allowing them to express their feelings and communicate big ideas.
Paint is a tactile substance that supports children's sensory development. It dates back thousands of years and connects children to people, place and culture.
The benefits of painting
The benefits of painting include:
- creativity
- fine motor development
- imagination
- mental health and wellbeing
- self-expression.
EYLF learning outcomes
Painting aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework as it:
- supports physical learning (3.2)
- sparks curiosity, creativity, enthusiasm and imagination (4.1)
- provokes confidence, commitment and persistence (4.1)
- involves transfering and adapting learning from one context to another (4.3)
- involves materials (4.4)
- supports children to express their ideas and make meaning (5.3).
Learning experiences
Paint with lemon juice
Paint with lemon juice instead of paint and let it dry. The artwork will be invisible until it is placed near the heat of a lightbulb, an iron, or warm sunlight. Experiment with other liquids — like vinegar, orange juice, or milk. Which liquids work best? Which heat sources work best?
Paint your face
Face and body painting is great for self-expression, interaction and magical fun. Plan a day ahead of time, use safe products and processes, and discuss the activity with families first.