Kids Paintings with Nature
Painting with Air and Ice

Kids paintings do not only have to be made with their hands. With air painting children get to use their mouths instead. I found that children enjoy using straws for different activities. I believe that kids are fascinated by manipulating things, moving them, and just plain old shaking things up just by blowing air.

Painting with Air

Air is magical; from making bubbles in a cup of chocolate milk to blowing up a balloon or seeing a windmill blow in the wind. With air painting, children get to simply blow air on the paint and see how it begins to spread on the paper. As a follow up, you can ask the children what do they see in the paint. An image of a cat? Or maybe a bird?

Guidelines

Ages 3 and up, no preparation time

Objective

Cognitive development and creativity. When this activity is done in groups or with a partner it helps develop social skills as well.

Materials

Straw
Paint (diluted)
Paper

Directions

Paint is usually too thick, so I recommend diluting it with some water. Drop the paint on the paper and then blow on it with the straw to create a design.

Painting with Ice

Ever tried to use ice for a paint activity? It does get cold, I must warn you, but children love to try and keep that slippery ice in their little hands.

By doing this activity in the winter time, you can take a moment to talk to your child about hot and cold, the changing seasons, and encourage them to actively think about thier surroundings. This is another great activity to share with a friend. Sharing the experience of painting creates a deeper bond between children.

Guidelines

Ages 3 and up, no preparation time

Objective

Develop fine motor skills, communication skills, social development.

Materials

Paper
Jell-O powder
Ice cubes

Directions

Let your child dip the ice cube in the Jell-O powder.

Paint with the ice cube on the paper.