Painting with toddlers

What started off a Q-tip painting quickly turned into full finger and body painting. This was Wy’s first time exploring painting with Q-tips.

I started by having Wy sit across from me. I showed him how to dip the Q-tip into the paint and then swirl it around on the paper. Wy watched with interest but he would not touch the paint or Q-tips.

I decided to have Wy come and sit in my lap instead. For some reason, while sitting in my lap, Wy was more willing to explore the idea. Wy was more interested in exploring the cup and the Q-tip at first. I knew that before we could move onto any painting, I needed to let Wy explore the materials first.

It wasn’t long before Wy was ready to try putting the paint on the paper. I held the cups and offered each color and  Wy dipped his own Q-tip in the paint and rubbed it on the paper. At this point, Wy was simply exploring the process. Exploring the process is part of developing the creative process.

Occasionally, Wy would decide to get up and walk away for a minute then he would come back and try the process out some more. He was progressively getting more interested in the marks he was making on the paper. I could see him focus more on the mark making and less on just wanting to explore the cups and Q-tips.

The final outcome doesn’t represent a rainbow or words or even an intended design. What the final outcome does represent is Wy’s successful first experience at exploring the process of painting with Q-tips!

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

Sit up a little higher with a Kaboost Portable Chair Booster!

My grand daughter is at the age where she just does not want to sit in her high chair any more. This can be a little bit of a challenge since she isn’t quite tall enough to sit on her bottom in a chair and reach the table. So when you need a little lift, a Kaboost portable chair booster might just be the perfect solution.

Read More »

DIY ramps and cars for toddlers

My grandson loves his cars and trucks so I thought I would introduce him to a simple version of ramps and cars this week. I started by making a simple toddler-sized ramp that he could easily explore.

Read More »

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Latest Blog Posts

P is for Pizza!

While learning about the letter “P” we decided to explore with pizza! Pizza is an all-time favorite food for many preschoolers, and activities involving pizza

Read More »