Painting is a traditional activity in early childhood education. Babies can enjoy the sensory 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.
EYLF learning outcomes
Painting aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework learning outcomes. Children can use a range of media (5.3) and materials (4.4). When children make marks they begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work (5.4).
Painting is experimental and involves problem solving, inquiry, hypothesising, researching and investigating (4.2), commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, curiosity, imagination, creativity and confidence (4.1).
What tools can children paint with?
Paintbrushes vary in shape and size, but they aren't the only painting tools. Children can use almost any tool that can be used to transfer colour onto a surface:
Bobby pins, cardboard, cotton buds, cutlery, feathers, feather dusters, fly swats, foam rollers, rolling pins, scapers, spatulas, sponges and sticks.
Children can blow paint through straws to make a splatter painting. They can apply paint to tennis balls and toy cars and roll them across paper. Liquid paint can be applied with a spray bottle and powdered paint can be applied with a kitchen shaker.
Try using unconventional paintbrushes, like old dish brushes, hair brushes, and toothbrushes.
Children can make their own brushes by taping leaves, grass, string or wool to the ends of sticks. But, they don't even need brushes. They have fingers, hands and feet!
There are also many ways to make prints using paint and tools. Learn more by reading the printmaking page on Edly.
What can be used as paint?
Children can paint with commercial paints including watercolour, acrylic, and tempera paints. To create a paint that sticks well to all surfaces, mix acrylic paint with wood glue.
Homemade paints can be made by mixing food colouring with water, cornflour, flour, soap, shaving cream, shampoo or conditioner. Experiment with ingredients and ratios with your children - this is science!
Children can even paint with clay and mud. Babies who are likely to eat their finger paint can use mashed fruits and vegetables.
What can children paint on?
There are many types of paper and cardboard, in endless colours, shapes and sizes. While they are a little expensive, childcare centres can purchase canvases for group artworks and special occasions.
Fabric scraps are amazing to paint on, and so is bubble wrap. Natural materials like rocks and leaves are always beautiful when painted (use a fine paintbrush or cotton bud if they are very small).
Learning environments
Paint everywhere
Put your paper on tables, the floor, on easels, and hang it on fences and walls. Cover your entire slide with paper and pour paint down it.
Set up environments that encourage children to move freely and use their entire bodies as they paint. Let them, reach high, jump, and even roll around with paint.
Paint directly onto perspex screens, windows, light boxes and children's own bodies (but choose your paint type carefully). Give children paintbrushes and pots of water and they can paint almost anywhere outdoors!
Resources
Picture books
The Magic Paintbrush by Julia Donaldson and Joel Stewart