Foot Painting

Children love to paint. The creativity aspect is very satisfying for them. While painting they are in control. They can choose the colors they want and they can paint any scene they desire. The colors and flowing movements of painting can be very calming to the child.

Foot painting might be more of a challenge to them than the usual brush method. They might not want to get their feet dirty. They might hesitate because they are worried about how the paint will feel on their feet. At first, gently suggest that they feel the paint with their feet. Discuss with them how it feels. Is it cold? Is it smooth? They may be more comfortable with the idea if you demonstrate it yourself first. When they are ready let them experience it.
What you will need:

Large sheets of newspapers
Towels
A container of soapy water
Shallow aluminum pans [13x20] with a small amount of tempera or finger painting paint in it
A low chair

Spring or summer is an ideal time for this activity because you can do it outside and not have to worry about getting the floor dirty. Clean up is a breeze. You can hose everything down with water.

Have one child at a time sit in the low chair and remove his shoes and socks. Place a pan of paint in front of him. Spread the newspaper around him. After he takes his feet out of the pan of paint encourage him to walk on the paper. Have the container of soapy water and a towel ready at the end of the paper walk.

Encourage your child to try changing his footprint by walking on his toes or heels. He might even want to try dancing and see how that changes his footprint pattern. You might want to hold his hand while he dances to keep him from slipping on the paint.

When the paint is dry hang the artwork in the child’s play centre.

Ruth Willms is author of the Christian children's novel The Lion Tree and is co-owner of WAHM-Articles.com. Submit your best WAHM articles at www.WAHM-Articles.com and find high quality reprint WAHM articles for your publications.

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