Painting with Brushes
To develop controlled brush strokes and hand-eye coordination through painting activities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Holds brush with developing grip
- Makes controlled brush strokes
- Uses both vertical and horizontal surfaces
- Shows hand preference developing
Materials
- Paint in pots
- Brushes of varied thicknesses
- Large paper on easels and tables
- Protective clothing
Instructions
OFFERING VARIED BRUSHES: Thick brushes for large marks, thin brushes for detail. Children naturally select what suits them. Observe which hand they prefer.
POSITIONING PAPER: Vertical easels develop different arm muscles than flat table painting. Offer both. Vertical painting strengthens shoulders needed for writing posture.
MODELLING STROKES: Show long strokes, short dabs, circular swirls: 'I'm painting a long line going down. Now little dots — tap, tap, tap!'
FOCUSING ON PROCESS: Ask 'Tell me about your painting' not 'What is it?' Value the physical process — the grip, the control, the arm movements — over the product.