Dot Painting
Here's What To Do
1
Set up your project:
- Pour different colors of paint onto a plate or tray.
- Give your child some cotton swabs and paper. (Instead of cotton swabs, you could also use pencil erasers or chopsticks).
- Cover your work surface.
2
Show your child how to use the cotton swabs to create a simple picture with dots (like a flower or the sun).
3
Ask your child to make their own picture out of dots!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Use your finger tip to practice dotting around the outline of a shape.
E
Engage:
- "Instead of drawing a picture with lines, today we're going to make a picture with dots. Let me show you."
- Ask your child, “What picture can you make with small dots”?
E
Encourage:
- If your child starts painting strokes with the cotton swab, gently remind them to make a dotting motion.
- Describe your child's actions, like: "I'm noticing when you do fast dots, the dots are smaller."
R
Reflect:
- Ask your child to explain their painting.
Not quite ready?
Tape a few cotton swabs together so it’s easier for your child to grasp.
Ready for more?
Encourage your child to fill an entire page with dots to form a big picture.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to use different tools and mediums to make art.