Is painting just a time filler? Does it allow you to get on with other things while your child paints? What does painting have to do with child development. At Lake Mary Childcare we know the answer.
Why is painting so valuable for children?
Educators have discovered that painting becomes much more than just a simple activity. Painting is a way for children to do many important things: convey ideas, express emotion, use their senses, explore color, explore process and outcomes, and create aesthetically pleasing works and experiences.
It engages the brain which is extremely important for young children.
It is also a great sensory activity, especially when a child dips their finger into the paint and draws with it. It must be deliciously fun to place your whole palm of your hand into a plate of gooey paint and then make a hand print. Not to mention the pleasure of Mom and Dad who will no doubt be putting it into a scrap book and bring it out on their child’s graduation day.
Children can make many connections and ideas of how the painting process works for them, as well as what they enjoy about it. Watch a child painting and you will see a fully engaged child. You can almost see children’s thoughts, such as, “When I push my brush flat, my line gets bigger”, or “I like stirring this, but I don’t want to put it on paper or touch it”, or “I mixed red with more red and orange, and got fire color red!”
“Offer valuable painting experiences” says Penn State University
Painting soothes the mind which is often what is interesting to young children. The pleasant feeling of painting over and over, maybe using two brushes or even with their fingers, is what is important. Why not encourage the interests of the child, not the yourself. Children will become focused on creation and of putting their ideas down on paper. Young children cannot express their ideas in text form yet can do so in painting, and the rewards for the child are immense.
Young children need large pieces of paper (to have full range of motion) as well as a variety of brush sizes to experiment with. You will notice which size or shape brush is best for their conrol. Be careful of how much paint you place in front of them so it dent get too messy. But messy is good too. Dont be afraid. I can guarantee you child will not be scared of smearing paint everywhere or knocking over the water jar. Just plain how when we mix Blue with yellow we magically get green. They will have a field day exploring color mixing.
Painting areas should support the child’s physical abilities. Easels should be at correct height or sturdy platforms added to adjust height. Move chairs from tables to allow children to stand and paint if they wish. Very young children can be held in a lap or sit on the floor with an adult.
When you think your child is ready, a question like, “I see you used red and yellow. What other colors could you use” or “You’ve just painted a green splash just here but what do you want to paint on the other part of the paper” or “would you like to hang up your painting? if you do where? “We could tape it somewhere so everyone can see it, maybe on the fridge door if you like”.
Be inspired!
It is a good idea to teach children how to prepare to paint independently. Encourage children to ask to paint as well as request materials to use. Show your child where they can find painting materials. At Lake Mary Childcare we have dedicated art centers where children can paint on tables or easels. We also have rolls of butcher tape we buy from Sams Club and tape a sheet to the whole light of a table so a whole team of children can paint on it. We have lovely murals 6ft long to display on class walls. Oh… before I forget, teach your child how to clean up and put materials away. Its all part of the developmental process
Important connections
Penn State University states “Painting with young children allows you to see much more than a simple picture. If you observe with careful eyes and ears, you can gain tremendous information about your child. You can share with families what you have discovered and why you feel it is important. You can create enjoyable experiences and support development at the same time; what a masterpiece!”
So, Painting is not just an activity to pass the time its a valuable development tool for young children.
Lake Mary Childcare 3s Class painting a flower bouquet for the class watercolor project
By kind permission of the students parents
Lake Mary Childcare VPK Class painting on a letter L
By kind permission of the students parents