3 Easy Ways to Paint With Toddlers
Painting with toddlers doesn’t have to be complicated or messy! Encourage creativity with these three simple, low-mess painting tips. Toddlers can enjoy painting while also developing fine motor skills and learning about shapes and colors. Best of all, cleanup is easy for parents!
1. Use recycled paper rolls.
Toddlers can practice fine motor development with this easy painting activity. Kids will need to grasp and stamp the paper roll while also learning about colors and shapes.
To try this activity, first cut paper towel rolls into smaller sizes and then bend the ends into a shape. You can make hearts, circles, triangles, squares, or rectangles. Have kids dip the paper roll stamp into the paint and then stamp it onto the paper.
2. Try sponge painting.
For a sensory-rich painting exercise, try painting with a sponge. You can cut sponges into different shapes, and kids can stamp them onto paper. Or, cut a sponge into smaller rectangular pieces and stamp them all over the page for a colorful, layered effect.
Try this sponge-painted tape-resist art using washi tape. Add your child’s initials or spell out a word.
- First, apply the washi tape to a piece of cardstock.
- Use complementary colors to stamp all over the paper. Have kids dip the sponge into the paint and then stamp it onto the paper.
- Once the paint has dried, carefully remove the tape to reveal your tape-resist art.
3. Use paint sticks.
Skip the brushes and water for a mess-free way to paint with paint sticks. Paint sticks are semi-solid paint in a tube, similar to a glue stick. They glide on paper and dry quickly, making them easy for kids to use. With their chunky design, they are easy to hold, making them perfect for toddlers to practice fine motor skills and grip strength. If you prefer to use a brush but don’t want the drips and mess, you can also get semi-solid paint in cups.
Tip: When selecting paint, look for a non-toxic tempera or washable kid’s paint.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly McLeod is the creator of the popular kid’s craft and activity website, The Best Ideas for Kids. She is known for her easy recycled craft projects for kids and is the author of two recycled craft books.
Photos provided by Kimberly McLeod.
