AM T2.04Painting at the Easel
The child puts on an apron and paints on a large sheet at a low easel with one color and a thick brush, then helps clean up.
Safety
- Use only paint labeled non-toxic with the AP seal.
- Stay with the child, because toddlers may taste paint or drink from the paint cup.
- Check that the easel is stable and cannot tip when the child leans on it.
- Wipe paint or water spills on the floor at once, because a wet hard floor is slippery.
Presentation
- 1
Show the child the apron. Help them put it on, leaving the last step for them to do.
- 2
Clip a sheet of paper to the easel.
- 3
Take the brush out of the cup and wipe it once on the edge.
- 4
Make one or two slow strokes on the paper and put the brush back in the cup. Do not paint a picture.
- 5
Invite the child to paint, and watch without comment. This is the point of interest: the color appears where the brush moves.
- 6
When the child is done, describe what they did: 'You painted up and down.' Do not praise the painting or ask what it is.
- 7
Unclip the painting together and carry it to the drying rack.
- 8
Show the child how to wipe drips with the sponge and hang up the apron.
- 9
Wash hands at the sink together.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Painting with plain water on an outside wall or fence
- Two colors, each with its own cup and brush
- A narrower brush
- Painting at a table with a sponge or small roller
Control of error
The paper shows where the paint went; a brush with too much paint drips, and a dry brush leaves no mark.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Puts on the apron with little help
- Keeps the brush in its own cup
- Paints for several minutes without leaving the easel
- Carries the painting to the drying rack and hangs up the apron
Guide note
Offer one color at first, then two. With many colors at once, the colors run together on the paper and the child does not see each one.