EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Lesson 24: Creative activities in ECE center

Finger painting

Functions

• Tension relieving
  
• Appealing
  
• Relaxing
  
• Free and direct sensory experience.
  

Preparation

Plenty of paint and starch should be used to make finger painting look rich and bright.

Assemble all equipment before you start the activity.

Needed equipment includes – aprons, finger paints, papers, felt pen for names, starch, plastic colored tables, buckets, sponge, and towels.

Procedure

1. Finger painting is more successful if children do this in standing position. Standing enables them to use their large arm muscles more freely, can reach the entire paper without straining and can see what they are doing.
   
2. Roll up sleeves and put on aprons.
   
3. Painting should be mixed right on the paper as the child works.
   
4. Pour 3-4 table spoons of starch on the paper, mix the powder paint to the starch.
   
5. Offer 1 or 2 colors on different papers.
   
6. Allow children to do as many paintings as they like.
   
7. Hang up finished paintings.
   
8. Make children to wash their hands before removing the aprons.
   
9. Sponge table lightly with water to prevent paper being blown away.

Clear up

• Wash tables and table edges.
  
• Return all supplies.
  
• Roll up dried paintings and send home with the child.
  
 

Variations

1. Paintings can be done on a textured paper.
2. Using cooked laundry starch for a difference in paint texture.
3. Addition of talcum powder and glycerin.
4. Adding of scents, which gives flavor to paints.
5. Refrigerated starch and normal starch can be used to show the difference.