SparKits
Painting In A Bag
Let's Begin
Gather Materials
Large plastic tray or tablecloth
Zip-top freezer bag
Tape
Finger paint, hair gel, corn syrup, or other gooey liquids*
*Use non-toxic liquids that will wash out if your child gets them on his hands or clothes
Steps
- Use your large tray/tablecloth to make a play surface for this activity.
- Place a quarter size of finger paint or liquid of choice in the freezer bag. Then, seal the top closed, allowing air out.
- Tape the top of your freezer bag with your tape. You may want to double bag it.
- Give your toddler the bag. Allow your child to explore how it feels.
- Talk about what she sees as she draws on it with her finger. Show her how to make letters and shapes.
CDC Milestones
Curious about your child’s development? All children develop at their own pace, but the Center for Disease Control’s developmental milestones can be a helpful guideline. Here are a few examples:
1-year-old
- Shows fear in some situations
- Puts things in a container, takes things out of a container
- Looks at the right picture or thing when it’s named
18-months-old
- Explores alone but with parent close by
- Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures
- Drinks from a cup
2-years-old
- Shows more and more independence
- Knows names of familiar people and body parts
- Might use one hand more than the other
Additional family resources
Early Learning with ECA
Learning begins at birth. ECA provides foundations for learning, starting with age-appropriate experiences for infants, toddlers, and preschool. ECA also offers a range of family support programs that encourage family involvement with children’s learning.
Free tips and learning games
This free texting service provides quality, developmental information for parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age eight right to your phone. Messages include research-based, age-appropriate content from national experts, along with local updates of events and resources.
Free resources at your library
Your local library has many resources for you as a parent as well as for your child. We encourage you to take advantage of all they have to offer. For an online list of libraries by city, go to publiclibraries.com/state
Find help in your community
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-502-0700 for free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral assistance. Trained 2-1-1 Specialists can connect you to local organizations that can assist you with food, housing, health care, transportation, education and more.
Find a library near you...
Use of the materials described above are done so at your own risk and any children interacting with these materials should do so only under close adult supervision.
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