Finger Painting for Toddlers and Teachers
Early Childhood Color and Texture Art Lesson Plan
Sep 28, 2009
Young children in the toddler age period are rapidly developing and gaining new skills. Help to promote growing abilities such as increased fine motor development and sensory awareness through a simple finger painting exercise. This creative exploration encourages the toddler aged child to discover the tactile world of art.
Toddler Finger Painting Lesson Objectives
- Increase fine motor skills.
- Practice self-regulation skills.
- Explore art materials and process.
- Explore the sense of touch.
- Gain self-awareness.
- Build color recognition skills.
Age Level
This activity is geared toward toddler aged children of two years old. Before beginning this or any other painting/ art activity with very young children always verify that the materials being used are safe and age appropriate. Only used paints marked safe for children of all ages. Look for the ACMI (Arts and Creative Materials Institute) Approved Product seal. Additionally, the product should clearly state that it is non-toxic.
This, like any art making activity, should always be closely supervised by a teacher or adult. If the children are too young to handle the materials appropriately discontinue the activity. If children are placing materials in mouths, eyes, ears, or throwing stop right away.
Materials Needed for Toddler Finger Painting in the Classroom
- Age appropriate water based finger paints (as discussed in the previous section)
- Paper
- Textured materials such as sand or glitter (only for children who will not try to throw, eat, or chew on these materials)
- Water
- Paint tray or palette
- Art smock
Steps to Finger Painting with Young Children
Pre-planning
- Set up a large enough painting area to accommodate all of the children.
- Make sure that all paints and paper products are easily accessible to little hands.
- Place a variety of different colored paints on a washable tray or palette.
- Set out paper for each child.
Process Steps
- Encourage the young children to place their hands into the paint.
- Once the children have begun to dip their hands into the paint, the painting can begin! Encourage blending and mixing the colors, and discuss what new colors are created. Ask the children to feel the paint. Talk about the word texture (what something feels like), and give different textures names such as smooth or bumpy.
- Add in extra differently textured materials to the paint. These can be items such as art sand or glitter. If there is any concern about the children eating or ingesting the materials (or even placing them in the mouth), do not try this step. Very close adult supervision is always required.
- Vary the sensory experience by adding extra water to the paint. Allow the children to try finger painting with a more soft or runny textured paint.
- Clean up!
Finger Painting Art Lesson Wrap Up
After the children are done painting, hang the dried artwork up in a colorful display. Ask the children to name colors and textures used in the paintings. Discuss what body part was used to create the paintings (hands and fingers).
Early Childhood Classroom Enrichment Activities
- Foot Painting: Try this activity with tiny feet! This will provide another great lesson on body parts.
- Finger Prints: Encourage the children to create simple lines that curve and wiggle using multiple finger prints in a row!
- Math: Look at each finger painting. Find individual finger or hand prints and count along with the children.
- Early Literacy: Read an age appropriate book about art, artists, or colors.
Finger painting with very young children can be a rewarding experience. Stay close to the children, and closely watch for any health or safety concerns such as eating materials or throwing paint. Toddlers can learn about art materials, colors, and basic textures through this highly tactile exploration. After the paintings are dry, display them as a prominent reminder of this special activity.
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