Sponge Painting
Here's What To Do
1
Prepare your art area:
- Cover your table with newspaper or a tablecloth
- Give your child a bib, smock, or large t-shirt to protect their clothes
- Put a few dots of washable paint on a plate or tray.
2
Cut a dish sponge into a few different shapes (circle, square, rectangle, etc.).
3
Model stamping the sponge into the paint and then onto paper.
4
Allow your child to experiment with different sponges and colors.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Give your child a high five before you start!
E
Engage:
- "Let me show you how to stamp. First, you take the sponge and press it into the paint. Then, you press the paint onto the paper. Now, you try!"
- Ask your child to name the colors of the paints and shapes of the sponges as they use them.
E
Encourage:
- It’s okay if your child uses the sponge to make abstract designs or blotches, or paints with the sponge instead of stamping. Follow their interests and allow them to experiment.
- Describe your child's actions, like: "You put blue paint on top of red paint, and now it looks purple!"
R
Reflect:
- How did your child like painting with sponges?
Not quite ready?
Place your hand on top of your child's and help them stamp on the paper.
Ready for more?
Make a collaborative painting with your child. Use the sponge stamps and work together to make a painting.
As your child masters this skill...
They will create art with a new tool.