Outdoor Painting
Infants learn through full-body sensory exploration.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Summer Time
- Learning area: Gross Motor
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Explore outdoor textures
- respond to painting movements.
Instructions
Materials
- Large sheets of butcher paper or plastic drop cloths
- Non-toxic, edible-grade finger paints in primary colours
- Masking tape
- Shallow plastic trays or lids
- Damp cloths for quick cleanup
- Soft music player for background ambiance
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate sensory exploration by touching paint textures with hands or feet.
- Engage in cause and effect by observing marks left on the paper.
- Develop core strength by maintaining a seated or prone position during play.
- Practise visual tracking by following the movement of colours across the surface.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Select a shaded, flat area outdoors to protect infants from direct sun exposure.
2. Secure the butcher paper to the ground using masking tape to prevent slipping or bunching.
3. Place small dollops of edible paint onto shallow trays or directly onto the paper.
4. Position the infant on their tummy or in a supported seated position on the paper.
5. Model the activity by gently pressing your own hand into the paint and making a mark on the paper.
6. Encourage the infant to reach out by placing a dollop of paint within their immediate line of sight.
7. Allow the infant to explore the texture freely, providing verbal narration such as describing the cool or squishy feeling of the paint.
8. Monitor the infant closely to ensure they do not ingest the paint, despite it being non-toxic.
9. Keep the session brief, typically lasting five to ten minutes, as infants have limited attention spans.
10. Use damp cloths to wipe the infant's hands and feet immediately after the activity ends.
Educator Tip
If an infant is hesitant to touch the paint, place a clear plastic cling wrap layer over the paint dollops. This allows the child to squish and move the colours without direct skin contact, which helps build confidence for sensory-sensitive learners.
Assessment
- Observe if the infant makes intentional contact with the paint or the paper surface.
- Note the infant's facial expressions and vocalizations in response to the sensory input.
- Record the duration of time the infant remains engaged with the materials.
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 sensory engagement and movement.