Want a fun activity that is easy to do, sparks imagination, and will get your preschooler interested in playing outside? Give them some “Magic Paint”! This has been a big hit with the preschoolers I have worked with in my years as a day care teacher. Feel free to rename this activity if you don’t approve of the word “magic”.
You will need the following items:
small plastic containers that will hold water
old paint brushes of any size, shape, and quality
water
a safe outdoor space to play in
Gather all of these things, and your preschooler, and head outside to your backyard. You can also do this in your driveway, on your porch, or at your local beach or park. Put water into the containers, and pick up a paintbrush.
Now, it’s time to use your story telling skills and present this activity. I used to start off by saying something like this: “This is Magic Paint. It can be any color you want it to be. Maybe your Magic Paint will be blue, or red, or purple. Your Magic Paint might make stripes, or polka dots, or be sparkly like glitter!” Next, I would say “Here is how to use it.” I would dip the paintbrush into the water, and then show the children how to use the brush to apply the “Magic Paint” onto an appropriate surface. Then, I would stop, and say: “Ok, I have used my Magic Paint. You can’t see the color with your eyes, you have to see it with your mind.” From here, you can take a minute, study your Magic Paint, and announce what color you “see”. Or, you can ask your preschooler what color she “sees”. These steps teach your preschooler how to play. It also shows her how to access her imagination.
Your preschooler is now ready to use the “Magic Paint”. Let her take a small container of water, and a brush and decide what to paint. Playhouses are a popular choice, as are slides and swings. She can paint the ground, the walls of your house, or the car. It really is just water, so it’s safe, and no harm will come if the “Magic Paint” is spilled or tasted. It can be used on any surface. Ask your preschooler what color she is painting, so she can express her imaginative play in words. Be prepared to refill the container with water many times! Most preschoolers will decide that they need a nearly endless amount of “paint”.
This activity is great for warm days, when it is especially nice to play outside with water. It encourages children to play outdoors, get active, move their bodies, and get some exercise. It teaches children how to play, in a non-directed, open ended way.
Image by John Morgan on Flickr