- mural paper
- nonfiction books about flowers
- paintbrushes
- paints
- plastic containers
- shallow containers filled with paint
- towels or paper towels
- water
- flower
- garden
- leaves
- stem
MA Standards:
English Language Arts/Speaking and Listening/SL.PK.MA.5 Create representations of experiences or stories (e.g., drawings, constructions with blocks or other materials, clay models) and explain them to others.
Head Start Outcomes:
Approaches to Learning/Initiative and Curiosity Demonstrates flexibility, imagination, and inventiveness in approaching tasks and activities.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
Science and Technology/Physical Sciences 20 Create representations of experiences or stories (e.g., drawings, constructions with blocks or other materials, clay models) and explain them to others.
Hand Print Plants
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
Skill Focus: Creative Expression, Fine Motor Skills, Vocabulary
Educator Prep: Pour about ½ inch of paint in plastic containers that are big enough to fit a child’s hand. Use one container for each color. Have a water container for children to wash off one color of paint before going onto the next.
Tell children you want them to make a plant painting for the room. Explain that they are going to use their handprint as the plant print and then they will use brushes and sticks to paint the stems, leaves, roots, etc. Model the printing process:
- Place the mural paper on a table.
- Lay your palm flat into a container of paint.
- Pick up your hand, spread out your fingers, and place your hand on the mural paper once or twice.
- Dip your hand in the water to clean off the paint and then choose a new color. Repeat the process.
- Add plant parts (root, stem, leave, seeds, etc.) with a paintbrush.
- Invite children to fill the mural with plants of different shapes and colors. Encourage them to talk about and compare the parts of the plants.
Display the mural in the room for parents and friends to admire.