Young children love to paint. At play centres and pre-schools, it’s one of the most popular activities when the children are given a choice.
We know that it’s good for them too. The brush strokes strengthen those growing muscles, and gripping the brush develops strong hands. Hand to eye coordination comes as the child tries to create a particular shape, and soon the child is developing artistic ideas as well. Pre-school is designed to get children ready to start ‘big’school, so that children can be on a fairly even footing from day one. So what better way is there to prepare for writing than some nice big smooth brush strokes from those tiny fingers?
But from the mum’s point of view things are not so simple. It’s all very well for kindergartens and pre-school centres with all their space, and equipment, and funding. It’s not so easy at home, especially in a flat or apartment, and on a limited budget.
So let’s cut it all down to size with a little bit of water painting.
No expense
You will need a small brush – the best kind is the cheapest, often called a paste brush.
An old toothbrush would work too.
And a cup of water – a plastic cup of course.
Roll up your sleeves, and your child's sleeves, and possibly put on an apron to make it clear that you mean business.
Free canvas
Use anything that can be ‘marked’ (temporarily, of course) with water. Cement or concrete areas are great. Cement pavers, or outside walls can be a great canvas.
Inside there are possibilities too. Brown paper – let it dry and use it again another day. Even newspaper can be painted on.
Play Together Time
What young children want most, even more than painting, is attention. They love activities with a parent (or older brother or sister). They like it better still if they believe they are helping and doing something significant.
It is fun, so grab a brush too and play with them. After a few practices together you will be able to say, “You paint the wall just here while I pull out these weeds.” Or even, “Draw me a nice big circle on this paver while I drink my tea.”
No Mess
The worst thing about painting is cleaning up afterwards. Other than the possibility of spilling a cupful of water, and wet sleeves and maybe shoes, this kind of painting cleans itself up.
So, mums and dads, grab a brush and some water and get to work.
