Firework-inspired art for toddlers

Inspired by the shape and color of fireworks, we created some patriotic art work!  We used the “doodle paint” recipe (flour, salt, water, paint) in squeeze bottles--- the girls (Little Roo and a friend) were able to squeeze and drip paint onto coffee filters.  We talked about how to turn the bottle and wait for it to drip or squeeze it, as well as the colors and the shape of the coffee filter.  I mentioned the colors of the American flag and we can see one out the window.   They don’t know what fireworks are yet, and probably won’t be up late enough to see them this year.  For them it was about exploring paint in a new way, on a new paper. The texture of the paint is also different because of the salt, when it did get on their hands we talked about how it felt rough, not smooth like finger-paint.  I like to keep projects open-ended, but get inspiration from holidays, seasons, interests, etc. When this paint dries, there is a bit of a sparkle to it from the salt!

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two hands!

waiting for the blue to drip!

Sidewalk Painting!

All you need is a paintbrush, water, a sunny day and a sidewalk!!   Sometimes the hardest thing to come by in New England is the sunshine!! This fun activity is a no-mess (although depending on how much your child likes getting wet, may require a change of clothes) way to paint.  When the picture dries up, paint another, and another, and another. Older kids can time how long it takes to dry and then compare to other days findings.

When I taught preschool, the children also enjoyed “painting” the climbing structure, picnic table, fence, etc.  It can be fun to mix water painting with chalk for a different spin on the creativity!