Engaging children in creative and sensory activities supports their overall development. This painting activity encourages exploration, fine motor development, and social interaction. It can be adapted for children as young as 15 months up until pre-school. By using hands and brushes to paint on a cling film-covered table, children will have the opportunity to express themselves while enhancing essential skills in a fun and engaging way.

Materials You’ll Need

• Table

• Cling film (securely wrapped around the table’s sides)

• Paint (child-safe, washable)

• Paintbrushes

• Aprons or clothing that can get dirty

Setting Up the Activity

• Choose a safe space where children can freely move around.

• Wrap cling film securely around all the table, creating a smooth painting surface.

• Lay out a variety of paints and brushes within easy reach.

• Provide aprons or clothing that yo don't mind getting dirty to keep children clean and comfortable.

Encouraging Creativity and Development

• Fine Motor Skills & Coordination: As children use their hands and brushes, they strengthen their fine motor abilities and improve hand-eye coordination.

• Sensory Exploration: The texture of the cling film, combined with the feel of the paint, offers a stimulating sensory experience that promotes curiosity and engagement.

• Social Interaction & Collaboration: Painting together fosters turn-taking, sharing, and cooperative play, helping children build early social skills.

• Language Development: Parents can encourage communication by describing colours, textures, and actions, and by asking open-ended questions. You can also describe what you are doing and comment on what they are doing:

  • “What colour are you using?”

  • “How does the paint feel on your hands?”

  • “I am making big strokes with my brush?”

  • "I wonder what happens if we mix blue and yellow..."

Supporting Your Child’s Exploration

• Begin by demonstrating how to use hands and brushes to paint on the cling film.

• Encourage your child to experiment with different techniques, such as finger-painting, brush strokes, or even blending colours.

• Offer gentle guidance while allowing independent exploration.

• Engage in conversation by commenting on their actions and artwork, expanding their vocabulary and comprehension.

• Provide reassurance and support, ensuring every child feels included and confident in their creativity.

The Impact of This Activity

Through this experience, children will:

• Develop confidence in their creativity and self-expression.

• Enhance their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

• Strengthen social skills through collaborative play.

• Expand their language and communication abilities through interactive discussion.

By incorporating this simple yet meaningful activity at home, you can create a rich environment for your child’s growth while enjoying a fun and messy bonding experience. Set up your painting station, embrace the creativity, and watch your child’s imagination come to life!