Painting With Clothespins and Natural Sponges

If you follow my blog, you know how I am always looking for ways to work those fine motor muscles. When I saw this activity using clothespins and natural sponges over at Vanessa's Values, I knew I wanted to try it with my 2's class.

I cut natural sea sponges into smaller pieces and clipped them to clothespins.

I set out trays of paint and heart-shaped construction paper.

I loved how the colors blended!

I've washed and dried the sponges so they can be used again for another project. I think I will try this at the easel, too!

********************************

This activity was inspired by

This post is linked with

 

Peppermint Play Dough

What's on our play dough table this week? Peppermint play dough! I was inspired by Jill over at A Mom With a Lesson Plan. 

I used the basic play dough recipe and added some peppermint extract and enough red food coloring to make a nice pink.

And then I added some glitter and sequins.

I don't know about you all, but both my 2's and 3's love LOTS of play dough. MOUNDS of it. The more the better to dig and poke and squish. So, I put out last week's white play dough so they could mix it with the peppermint play dough.

Play dough LOVE!

I set out a tray of heart cookie cutters and some heart tins saved over the years.

Today the 2's will be introduced to it and I know they will love it just as much, if not more.

For more play dough ideas, check out my play dough Pinterest board!

Corn Syrup Painting

Today we painted with corn syrup and water colors.

I put a couple of tablespoons of corn syrup into a jar and added some liquid watercolors. 

I had the preschoolers stir the mixture because the paint had separated from the syrup. They noticed how thick the mixture was as they stirred with their paint brushes. I added a bit of water to thin it up a bit.

Some of them first drew on their paper with a Sharpie before painting. 

And yes, it was sticky. Quite a sensory activity!

Sticky on the hands for sure, but easily removed with warm water.

I loved how the colors mixed. I was skeptical when I was told these would not be sticky when dry, but they really weren't! As long as the paint isn't too thick (which is why I chose smaller paintbrushes), it dries clean and shiny.

I cannot wait to display these on our walls. I think they will look so vibrant. And not one looks like the other. Love that!

Pajama Day with the 3's!

Towards the end of every January we have pajama day with the 3's and pre-K 4's classes. What I love most is when the preschoolers arrive and are so excited to not only see their classmates in PJs, but also their teachers!

Out comes my family's waffle baker (that hasn't been used since the LAST pajama day - I need to fix that!)

Cups with the names written on them, set out in alphabetical order, makes it much easier with a big class of 17. I wish we had more time, but we don't. So, being prepared is important.

I call the children to the table in groups of 3-4 at a time. They mix the batter in their cups and I pour it onto the waffle baker.

And we wait. That's the hardest part! 

Ah, but so worth it when they are ready to eat! This is the first year every child wanted syrup. 

The preschoolers brought their favorite stuffed animal or other "lovie". 

And we go about our morning as usual, except in our jammies.

"I wish every day was jammie day!" I heard that from a few of the children today. I have to admit, I agree. Although I kept wanting to curl up and take a nap, the way it was so dark and rainy outside.

You can read about our past Pajama Days here:

Pajama Day 2011

Pajama Day 2010

Golf Ball Painting with 2's

Last week the 3's class painted with golf balls. This week we decided to try it with the 2's. 

We used a cardboard box instead of the larger Rubbermaid tote, so it would be easier for them to reach in and retrieve the golf balls and paper.

Drop the painted golf balls into the box. (I love their concentration at this time!)

Then start moving the box around to make those golf balls roll!

Such fun process art! 

This post was proudly featured at:

Crayon Resist Painting

Crayon Resist is nothing new, but I absolutely love it, especially when vibrant colors are used.

The preschoolers first drew on their papers. I prefer scrapbooking cardstock.

And then they place their paper on a tray and brush watercolors over it. When using watercolor trays, I prefer Prang. They don't crack easily when drying out like their competitors. They seem to last a lot longer. I was lucky to pick them up for 99 cents during back-to-school.

I also like to use clear containers for the water (baby food jars work well) so they can see the color change as they rinse their brushes.

I'd love to frame these for the walls in my house!

I'm linking up with:

(Because if you have watercolors, crayons and paper, you can do this. Thrifty!)

This post was featured at: