Family Tree: Portraits + Names + Generations

Infants build foundations through repetition and responsive interaction.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Large paper (butcher paper or easel pad)

- Child-safe paint in various colours

- Paintbrushes

- Thick paper or cardstock for individual portraits

- Crayons or markers

- Baby safe mirrors

- Smocks or old t shirts for babies

- Shelf stable snacks (e.g. Cheerios) for motivation and fine motor practise

Learning Objectives

- Babies will engage with others in a shared art experience.

- Babies will explore sensory input through paint.

- Babies will begin to recognise and associate names with family members.

- Babies will show emerging self awareness through mirror interaction.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Display the large paper on an easel or secured to a flat surface. This will be the "family tree" base.

2. Invite babies one at a time to sit near the paper. Offer them a paintbrush dipped in paint, encouraging them to make marks. Talk about the colours and their actions "You are making a green mark!"

3. While one baby is painting, another adult can hold a baby safe mirror in front of them. Comment on their reflection "Look, you see your happy face!"

4. As babies paint, the educator can gently guide their hand to add a smudge of paint to the paper. This represents their contribution to the family tree.

5. Offer babies small, shelf stable snacks, placing them on a tray for them to practise picking up. This helps with developing fine motor skills and can be a brief break from the art.

6. As babies are engaged, introduce pictures of family members. Say the family member's name clearly "This is Grandma" and point to the picture.

7. Allow babies to touch and explore the pictures of their family members.

8. Gently dab each baby's hand in a different colour paint and help them place their handprint on the large paper as their "family member" on the tree.

9. Display the finished "family tree" with the pictures of family members nearby.

Educator Tip

Ensure all art supplies are non toxic and baby safe. Supervise closely during the painting and snack portions to prevent choking hazards or ingestion of materials. Consider inviting families to contribute a small portrait or photo to be added to the "family tree" display after the activity.

Assessment

Observe babies' engagement with the paint and mirrors. Note if they show any recognition or interest when family member names and pictures are presented. Document their participation in creating handprints on the family tree.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe gaze, reach, calm engagement.

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