Pinecone painting is really quite fun!

As many of times as I have seen the idea of pinecone painting or ornaments over the years, I have never actually given it a try. It’s funny how you can dismiss an idea because it looks too hard or too craftsy or something else without ever giving it a try. But because we were reading “Penguin and Pinecone” this year, it was a good time for me to give pinecone painting a chance…

At the table, the children found pinecones, paint, and paintbrushes! Talk about triple “P!”  The paint we used this time is actually acrylic paint with a touch of Mod Podge added so the paint would dry with a shine rather than dull…

The children painted their pinecones with any color they wished. We had pinks, blues, reds, and other colors out for the children to choose from…

The children did a remarkable job at holding their pinecone with one hand and painting in and out of each layer of the pinecone.  This takes some good fine motor skill and control…

Once the children were satisfied with their painting, then they moved over to a different table to sprinkle on some glitter.  The glitter should stay on nicely with the addition of Mod Podge to the paint…

We put the children’s name on their small paper plate for the pinecones to dry on instead of trying to label the pinecones. As for the glitter table, we set the glitter out on a tray to try and catch the glitter overflow…

Some of our students might have gotten slightly carried away with the amount of glitter actually needed on the pinecone but that is what the tray was for.  After the children were all done, we scooped up all the leftover glitter and put it back in one of the bottles for another day…

When the children realized we still had extra pinecones, many of them came back to the paint table to paint and glitter another pinecone.  I am quite sure some children completed at least three pinecones by the end of the day…

And then we had one little one that decided painting the paper plate was far more interesting than painting a pinecone.  I think the bright and glossy acrylic colors is what interested him the most…

And when he finished painting his beautiful paper plate, he was so proud of it – it truly was an unexpected gorgeous…

After the pinecones and paper plate dried, Mrs. Courtney added a loop a yarn around the top of them all so the children could take them home and hang them on their own trees or where ever they decide they should go…

I must admit, this was a wonderful process that my students loved!

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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.'

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