How to Make Paint Prints

Paint prints are a wonderful way to incorporate nature walks, art and science in one activity. Children are able to develop their sensory motor skills by learning how different objects feel as well as the slippery texture of paint as it runs through their fingers when they make paint prints.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Encourage children to collect an assortment of items they would like to make paint prints of. Leaves, flowers, coins and vegetables slices make great paint prints. A nature walk is a good way to find items to print.
2. Pour assorted colors of paints on paper plates. Put one color on each paper plate as the children will most likely rub the paint all over the plate.
3. Paint the objects with either fingers or a paint brush. Young children benefit more from using their fingers as their fine motor skills aren't developed enough to paint small objects with a paint brush.
4. Press the objects on a large sheet of white paper. Press them as many times as possible to make several prints of various brightness before it is painted again.

Tips & Warnings

• To get the full experience of this art project, allow the children the freedom to do this all by themselves. Let them explore how the paint feels without fear of making a mess. It is not the product but the process that young children learn from.
• Cover the entire table and floor beneath with newspaper as this activity will become very messy.