Teaches collection vocabulary
Promotes fine motor skills
Promotes nature awareness
Collection of Medium Sized Rocks
Water Proof Non-Toxic or Organic Paints
Table Cloth or New paper and Scotch Tape
Paint Pallets (optional, container covers work well too)
( Tip) This activity can be done in fall, spring or summer. Have a carrying case or bag prepared to hold rocks collected and to keep them together.
1. Bring the child outside to start collecting medium sized rocks, or collect them from different places the child likes to visit to add a sentimental touch.
2.This project can turn into a two step project. Either collect the rocks one day when its nice and sunny out. Then paint them inside on a different day. Perhaps a nice project that can be done on a rainy spring day.
This project can also be done on the same day as the rocks are collected. I suggest collecting the rocks on a nice summer/spring day, and using a picnic table or child sized table outside for painting.
3. Before painting the rocks, set out some newspaper or paper towel. Tape them with clear scotch tape to the table and together, to make one solid table cover.
4.Painting utensils can range from paint brushes, Q-tips, straws, or anything fun to paint with. Adding sand to the paint, will make the paint textured and appear bumpy. Using a good non-toxic, maybe even organic paints, make sure that all ingredients comply with allergies, non toxic, water proof.
5. Have a variety of colors, with their own paint brushes for their colors so the colors look attractive. Resulting in no mess for water (spills, or colors that don't mix well) to clean the paint brushes. Have a couple paint brushes for each color or set up separate pallets depending on how many participants.
6. In a black sharpie write each child's names on the rocks that they painted, either hidden or seen, depending on which areas been painted.
7. Then after have the child arrange in garden to spice up the landscaping or make your greenhouse more interesting and fun. Also to attract butterflies and bees to the bright colors.
Coming up soon related to this article:
How to make organic paint at home, and with a toddler.
Green House Gardening and How to keep your plants alive.
How to Garden with a Toddler.