Painting and Printing
To develop creativity and fine motor skills through varied painting and printing techniques.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Experiments with colour mixing
- Uses different tools to create effects
- Creates prints using various objects
- Shows increasing control over materials
Materials
- Varied paints (finger paint, poster paint, ready-mix)
- Printing objects (sponges, vegetables, corks, leaves)
- Different sized brushes and rollers
- Large paper surfaces and unusual painting surfaces
Instructions
Set up an inviting painting area with easy access to materials. Use low tables or paper on the floor for large-scale work. Ensure children can reach paints and tools independently.
Introduce new techniques without prescribing outcomes. 'Look at this sponge—I wonder what happens when we dip it in paint and press it on the paper?' Let children experiment.
Model techniques when asked, but avoid taking over. 'You want to know how to make a print? Watch—dip, press, lift! Now you try.' Step back and let them explore.
Discuss what children are doing without evaluating. 'I can see you're mixing the red and yellow together! What's happening to the colours?' Focus on process, not product.
Introduce colour vocabulary naturally. 'You've made orange! Red and yellow make orange together!' But don't turn art into a lesson—keep the emphasis on creative expression.
Display children's work with respect and their own words. 'Tell me about your painting. What shall I write on the label?' Value all outcomes equally.