Watercolor painting is not just an enjoyable activity; it also offers numerous educational benefits for preschoolers. It enhances fine motor skills, stimulates creativity, and even introduces kids to basic concepts in math and literacy. Here are 10 simple watercolor activities that you can do with your little ones!
1. Name Tracing with Watercolors
What You Need: Paper, a pen, a Q-tip, and watercolor paint.
Steps
1. Write your child’s name in large letters on a sheet of paper using a pen.
2. Dip a Q-tip into watercolor paint.
3. Show your child how to trace over the letters using the Q-tip, encouraging them to stay within the lines.
4. Let them experiment with different colors and designs around their name once they’re done tracing!
2. Fingerprint Numbers
What You Need: Paper, a pen, washable watercolors, and a shallow dish for paint.
Steps
1. On a piece of paper, write out a list of numbers from 1 to 10, leaving space next to each number.
2. Place a few drops of watercolor paint in a dish.
3. Show your child how to dip their finger into the paint and create fingerprints next to each number to match the quantity.
4. Encourage them to experiment with multiple colors or even create patterns!
3. Splatter Painting with Decalcomania What You Need: Paper, washable watercolors, and an old toothbrush or paintbrush.
Steps
1. Fold a piece of paper in half, ensuring the crease is sharp.
2. Open the paper and place it flat. Choose a side and splatter paint using an old toothbrush or paintbrush.
3. After you’ve splattered enough paint, carefully fold the paper back in half, pressing gently.
4. Unfold the paper to reveal a beautiful symmetrical design!
4. Watercolor Resist Art
What You Need: White crayon, watercolor paint, and paper.
Steps
1. Have your child create a picture on a white sheet of paper using a white crayon. The crayon will resist the paint.
2. Once they’ve finished their drawing, let them paint over the entire paper with watercolors.
3. Watch as the crayon design emerges against the colorful background! Offer to guide them to create scenes or abstract designs.
5. Nature Prints
What You Need Leaves, flowers, watercolor paints, and paper.
Steps
1. Take your child on a nature walk to collect different leaves and flowers.
2. Use a brush to paint one side of the leaf or flower.
3. Press it onto a piece of paper to create a print.
4. Lift it gently to reveal the beautiful shape and details on the paper. Repeat with different items for a mixed nature collage!
6. Colorful Salt Painting
What You Need Paper, white glue, salt, watercolors, and a dropper.
Steps
1. Have your child create a design on a piece of paper using white glue, then sprinkle salt all over the glue while it’s still wet.
2. Shake off the excess salt and let it dry completely.
3. Once dry, use a dropper to apply watercolors to the salt. Watch as the colors spread and create beautiful, vibrant patterns!
7. Storytime Watercolors
What You Need Paper, watercolor paints, and a storybook.
Steps
1. Read a storybook together and pick a favorite scene.
2. Encourage your child to illustrate that scene using watercolors on paper.
3. Discuss the colors they choose and how they relate to each part of the story. Frame their masterpiece once it’s dry for a keepsake!
8. Watercolor Exploration on Canvas What You Need: Small canvas boards and watercolor paints.
Steps
1. Give each child a small canvas board to decorate.
2. Let them choose colors and designs freely, encouraging them to blend colors and experiment.
3. Once they’re satisfied, help them write their name and date on the back for their special keepsake!
9. Watercolor Shapes
What You Need: Paper, scissors, watercolors, and a brush.
Steps
1. Cut various shapes (like circles, squares, and triangles) from paper.
2. Have your child paint each shape with different colors and designs using watercolors.
3. Once dried, use glue to create a fun collage on another piece of paper with all their decorated shapes!
10. Watercolor Mandalas
What You Need: Paper, pencils, and watercolors.
Steps
1. Guide your child to draw simple mandala patterns using a pencil. They can create circles or other shapes…
2. Once the outlines are set, let them paint inside with bright watercolors, encouraging them to use various colors in one mandala!
3. Discuss their favorite colors and patterns as they paint!
These 10 watercolor activities not only foster creativity but also provide opportunities for learning and bonding with your preschooler. Grab your paints, and let the fun begin! Happy painting!
DFW MAMA 