Occasionally I’d like to provide you with simple activities you can make and do with your child at home, which can teach motor skills, communication, and enhance cognitive development. Fingerpainting is a fun activity that can teach the following:
1. Colors – Name each color the child uses and repeat the name frequently. Blend colors to make new ones.
2. Fine Motor skills – This activity encourages your child to use fingers independently, move wrists side to side, and move hands and forearms to a target.
3. Shapes – Create simple shapes and have your child recreate and name them. Or make letters or numbers with the paint.
4. Sample Vocabulary:
Paint, Fingers, Hand, Line, Spread, Messy, Paper, Print, Art, Picture, Wipe, Wet, Clean, Done, etc. (Colors, shapes, letters, numbers.)
Materials:
– 2 cups flour
– ½ cup cornstarch
– 5 Tblsp. salt
– 5 cups cold water
– food coloring or powdered paint
Method:
Mix flour, salt, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in water. Stir and cook over low heat until shiny. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed. Divide into portions. Mix in coloring. Store in airtight containers.
Use smocks and get ready for some mess! Have fun.