Painting is a very calm activity that will keep little ones occupied and engaged. This is a fun variation that allows kids to experiment and explore a little bit with items they may not normally come into contact with. N and his friend T were happily - and quietly - engaged for a good chunk of time while they worked on their painting; it's a nice and calming activity, even on a busy playdate. I got this idea from the show A Place of Our Own.
I recommend doing this activity on the kitchen floor or outside to make clean-up a bit easier.
Materials
paper - large butcher paper is fun, but any kind will work
4 paint pans (paper plates, recycled meat-type trays, pans, etc.)
paint
variety of kitchen utensils
Activity
Put the paper on the ground along with the paint trays. Either spread out the gadgets or place them in baskets. Do a quick demo of how to use the objects to make prints or paint, then allow let the kids have at it.
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