If you’re looking for fun ways to entertain children at playgroup (or home) look no further – painting is a great activity with so many physical and emotional benefits. But most of us shy away from it because of the great potential for MESS!

If you have the heart to put painting on the agenda here are some great painting ideas:

Hand and foot: Put thick paint into a baby bath or similar container. Children put hands and feet in the paint then walk on paper on all fours!

Mirror: Children make blobs on white paper then fold in half to produce a mirror image.

Straws: Drop blobs of paint on paper or a smooth surface and use straws to blow the paint around.

Potato printing: Put dessert spoons of thick paint in a saucer then put in a sponge and use any vegetable to dip in and make a print on paper!

Paint to music: Put on some music and let children paint what they feel.

String painting: Pull pieces of string through saucers of paint then across paper to make a pattern. You could add glue to the paint.

Squirt’n’squeeze: Fill squeeze bottles (ones with small holes at the top – like tomato sauce bottles) with thick paint and squirt on paper stuck to floor or wall.

Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in boiling water coloured with vegetable dye. Don’t rinse. Make patterns on card. Let dry.

Little Things …

For more play ideas for home or playgroup, ‘search’ our website or call the Hotline on 1800 171 882 and ask to speak with a Development Officer.

Kath is a 40-year-old mum of three who works part time and enjoys reading, writing and catching up with other stressed out mums in her spare time. Usually she’s racing against the clock to make her boys (+ husband) arrive anywhere on time and feels quite the talented mother when two out of the three make it out of the house with shoes on!