The explore stage is something we need to keep talking about. In a previous post, I talked about the explore stages of clay. Today, I want to share 5 paint invitations that really helped me embrace the explore stage of paint.
Conversation Tip While Painting
The one phrase I removed from my vocabulary when conversing with children about their paintings was, “What is that?”
As hard as it was – it opened the door for such deeper conversations. It also allowed me to see the need for time to explore and create and not just replicate what I wanted them to paint.
5 Paint Invitation Ideas
1. Finger (Hand) Painting
Notice how the child is learning about mixing colors all on his own
Child may choose to use just his or her finger
Or may scratch and feel the texture of the paint and surface together
A tray, paper, deep dish palette, and bottle of paint are the materials to help this exploration
2. Paintbrushes and Butcher Paper
Nothing says explore stage like painting on a big surface with paint brushes and just 2 colors!
3. Mirrors and Mixing
Utilizing a different medium to paint (such as a mirror) provides a whole new experience.
Notice how the mixed colors really comes through on the mirror!
4. Loose Parts Addition
Taking paint brushes away and replacing with flowers, sticks, and weeds
Such a simple set up will provide endless painting possibilities
Even the addition of corks will invite children to explore different techniques of painting
5. Outdoor Painting
The simple shift from painting indoors to outdoors will heighten their learning and exploration
Easel painting outdoors with natural materials and paper
Bonus!
Bringing all the explore elements together outdoors! Stunning!
Allowing children to experience the language of paint through a variety of explore stages will:
- Deepen their explorations with paint
- Develop of variety of paint technique in an authentic way
- Honor the child where he or she is at on their journey
- Help us as teachers slow down and really listen to the children and their thoughts
- Embrace the mess by recognizing the sensory importance and artistic expression
Teaching Nugget
These cookie sheets from the dollar store make for the best paint or collage tray!
Having multiple palettes or sizes of paint containers is helpful for different types of paintings: fingerpaint, large paper painting, nature painting, etc!
Take Action
Plan an invitation for paint exploration! Have no set outcomes for the children, instead take note on what THEY are doing and learning from the paint! Use that to plan future atelier provocations!
Very informative
I would like to try these invitations
Dear Sally, you are the best. Love all the ideas and I can’t wait to try it with my students. Thank you
I can’t wait to use these invitations in my classroom.
Thank you
I love this ! You have given me so many ideas for presenting art experiences for my 3-4yr olds 🙂
I can’t wait to hear how the children respond. Keep us posted, Jo!
Love these ideas; can’t wait to try them out.
Thank you Joy! Share reactions and results.
Very inviting ways to welcome children for exploration.
Dear Sally, thank you so much for sharing. I was thinking of removing the vocabulary “what is this “.
Love this! Can you tell me what type of mirrors you use and where you got them? Are they unbreakable?
Yes they are unbreakable mirrors! Look up acrylic mirrors! You can get them online, at Dick Blick online store, or even at a hardware store like Lowes!
Big hugs!!
I love this! So rich and so important,
Love the process of painting, from those students that love to mix it up all over their hands to those students that take 6 or more months to even lift a brush to paint with. It is a true joy to watch. I got mirror trays this year after watching mirror painting on Fairy Dust and my students love it. I wish I could get circle plates just to get away from rectangles and squares, I will keep looking for them.
Love the idea of using mirrors. Definitely gonna give this a try with my 2’s!
I love acyclic mirrors so much! So many uses!
Just asked you the same question on Twitter – where do I source acrylic mirrors from?
Thank you for these beautiful pictures showing how inviting painting can be with children. So inspiring!
I imagine while looking at these beautiful invitations, that it takes such a generous spirit, curiosity and at the same time, a humble persistence to keep trying. It is a considerable amount of work to set up! Not in all cases, but generosity is a good term for the act of invitation.