Painting without paintbrushes is always a good idea. After doing this process art invitation for several years now it’s safe to say painting with slinkies is always a favorite.
To set this initiation you will need Colorations® 1/2 Gallon Simply Washable Tempera Paint, Rainbow set of 6 Colors #gifted, plates, butcher paper, and slinkies. Pour the paint into the plates and let child explore a whole new way of painting by dipping the slinky into the paint and creating freely.
As a child uses a new tool they test and experiment a variety of ways to paint with the slinkies. They observe all the ways the slinky moves and bounces as it creates prints on the paper. It also makes for an interesting way for the child to observe how high and low the slinky moves when using their body (gross motor skills) to maneuver the tool. The whole process challenges the child cognitively and creatively to think and create in new ways.
“When children explore art ideas, they are testing possibilities and working through challenges, much like a scientist who experiments and finds solutions. Art allows children to make their own assessments, while also teaching them that a problem may have more than one answer. Instead of following specific rules or directions, the child’s brain becomes engaged in the discovery of “how” and “why.” MaryAnn Kohl.
