How to Finger Paint with Children

Whether on a rainy day or outside in the sunshine, finger painting can be an activity everyone can enjoy. Be ready to make a mess and have a good time doing it.

Things You'll Need

• Blank paper
• Finger paints or pudding
• Newspaper
• Paper or regular towels

Instructions

1. Find some finger paints. If you buy them in the store, the paints usually come in a pack of six basic colors. Washable finger paints are also available and make cleanup a lot easier. Another option is to use pudding as your paint.

2. Prepare the painting area. You want to make the space comfortable for the kids and easy for you to clean up later. Put newspaper down on the table and floor. Pull out the paints, blank paper and paper towels. Put the paints into individual bowls so they are easier for the children to access.

3. Dress the children appropriately. They should wear clothes they can get dirty. If they have smocks, they can wear those.

4. Gather around the table and show the children how to dip their fingers into the paint and smear it onto the paper.

5. Paint like Picasso! Let the children use their imaginations and paint whatever their hearts desire. They can use their fingers, hands or even arms to create their masterpieces.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use pudding as your paint, try using vanilla flavored pudding and add food coloring.

• Use "tools" to create texture in the paintings. The tools can be anything from a sponge or a paint brush to pine needles.

• Although finger paints are non-toxic, be careful that children don't ingest the paint.