Painting with Nature's Tools

[30 Minutes]

No paintbrushes, no problem! On your next walk search for natural painting tools.

You'll need:

• natural painting tools: long grasses, twigs, stones, bark, corn cob, acorn, leaves • tempera paints • shallow container for paint • paper

What to do:

1. On your next walk with your child, collect natural items that you think may make good applicators for painting.
2. Together look carefully at the applicators you have collected.
3. Set up the paper outside if possible, and help your child experiment with all the different natural tools by dipping them into the paint and then painting on the paper.
4. Talk with your child and tell him how beautiful his painting looks.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• I like your painting. What tool did you use?
• Did you find this on our walk?
• Let's pick out another tool and see what marks it can make.

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop small muscle skills, eye/hand coordination and creativity.