Ages/Grades:

Toddlers

 

Learning Domains:

Approaches to Learning; Physical Well-Being and Motor Development

 

Materials Needed:

• Large sheets of painting paper
• Plastic containers
• Watercolors
• Toddler brushes
• Smocks
• Removable tape
• Optional: indoor/outdoor easel

 

Preparation:

If possible, prepare art materials outside before you begin this activity. Place paper in interesting places. Tape it to trees, playground surfaces, grassy areas, etc. Prepare containers by cutting a hole in the lid large enough to fit a paintbrush (see image below). Fill containers with a little bit of water.

 

Activity:

Talk to the children about painting. What tools do you need to paint? What do we use to keep our clothes clean while we paint? Ask the children if they have ever painted outside. Tell them they are going to be outdoor artists today. Tell them that when they go outside, they can look for secret places where art paper is set up.

 

Observations:

Did you notice if any children who typically don’t participate in art activities indoors showed more interest in the activity when it was outdoors? How did children approach this task? How did they use their bodies during this activity – did they exercise more of their large motor muscles?