Finger-painting

Finding out what can be done with paint, in the way illustrated, is exciting but perhaps more easily done in the playgroup, where larger quantities of paint are available than at home.

The children in the picture have spread powder paint (obtainable from art shops or good toy shops), thickened with paste, onto a smooth, washable surface. The girl makes patterns with a comb shape cut from stiff card-more durable shapes can be made from wood. Cotton reels, string, corks, lids, pegs, old tooth brushes and combs all can be used to make interesting patterns, but fingers and palms of hands remain the most natural tools.

Painting in this uninhibited way, using wrist and arm movements, is most beneficial to a child. It can create a feeling of freedom and zest which is likely to be carried over to other occupations and helps the timid child, for example, to become more spontaneous and happy in his play.

If paper is pressed over the paint and carefully lifted off, a print is produced giving the child a permanent record of his effort. Newspaper is suitable-the child itself sees no drawback to its use.