When we are thinking about arts and crafts activities for our children, we often get stuck in complicated models and projects that look so nice on Pinterest or Instagram but are then frustrating to implement.
Why doing complicated activities when it can be so simple.
This creative activity is my children´s absolute favorite when it comes to working with watercolors. Especially when we travel, we often only take a couple of colors and paper with us. Then this activity can keep them occupied for a good hour at least.
There are a couple of elements that make it so attractive for children and effective for learning.
All about the process
First, it is all about the process – and children love getting absorbed in the process, rather than worrying about the result (while we as adults think rather about the result than the process).
Take out the watercolors and let your child freely explore what happens when producing blobs and dots on a paper. Your child will observe how colors mix, how they flow, what happens if you use less or more water, etc.
Sparking imagination
Second, the activity activates your child´s imagination. Children often see many details that we do not see as adults.
Once the watercolors are dry, your child can explore what the blobs and colors could represent. Imagining what different colors and shapes could represent boosts their creativity and critical thinking skills.
You might want to ask ´What do you see here? Maybe an animal, or a figure?´, but without interpreting on behalf of your child.
Strong fine-motor skills
Third, it strengthens fine-motor skills. Your child can trace and draw the figures and shapes he sees with a black pen. Out of a blob emerges a bird, a caterpillar, a dragon … There are no limits to your child´s imagination. Just let your child go on as long as he wants without interrupting.
This process supports the visual discrimination skills your child will later need to distinguish letters and learn how to read.
Develop Vocabulary
Forth, once finished, this activity opens up a fantastic opportunity for you to have your child talk about the art work. By asking curious questions (instead of saying Good job!, say: ´Wow I like this figure here, it looks so colorful. What is it?`) you offer your child an opportunity to present his work and talk about his ideas.
Without even noticing it, your child will strengthen existing vocabulary and learn new words as you discuss about the pictures you see.
Especially, if you are a multilingual family, this is your opportunity to discuss, laugh and learn your language.
If you are more of a visual type, watch my video with a step-by-step guide.
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Hi, Nice to meet you
Learning and growing up with multiple languages does not have to be hard work. I am Maria, a mother of 3 kids, an development and education expert and Montessori homeschooler. Having lived as a family over ten years in Africa and Asia I know exactly how challenging it can be to get access to high quality educational activities. With my step-by-step playful learning method, I am showing you how to raise little happy multilingual learners with limited time and only using local materials.
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