It’s so easy – isn’t it? – to make life complicated and particularly childhood. We convince ourselves, our kids need fancy toys and organised activities to keep them – and us! – entertained for even the shortest time.
And we worry if we don’t have “things” planned we’ll face meltdown, when so often ALL we need is paint …
… and a roll of old wallpaper …
… and just a little bit of space …
… to idle away the hours …
… while mummy sits on the doorstep with a cup of tea.
Until bathtime 😉
It really is as simple as that. But here’s the thing, in this simple, self-directed fun painting activity outdoors young children are exploring for themselves:
- Colours
- Colour mixing
- Body symmetry
- And mark making
They can do all this independently using they’re amazing in built sensory and observational learning skills. And this learning is particularly powerful because they’re exploring all of these things whilst coordinating their balance and continually crossing the midline.
Balance & Crossing The Midline
Balancing activities that encourage children to cross over the different sides of their bodies. This helps children make connections between the left and right side of their brains and is absolutely essential for gross motor, cognitive and emotional development. The develop opportunity is particularly rich when combined with early mark making.
Wow!!! Who knew something as simple and fun as foot painting could be so educational? But it is. So sit back, relax and enjoy.
For more fun painting ideas do follow me on Pinterest. And for more super simple, low-prep, play activities that help children learn do check out these other posts :
- 30 Flower Crafts For Kids
- 30 Cool Ideas For Painting Outdoors
- 10 Veggies To Grow With Kids
- Making Petal Paintings
- Feather Painting
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