What’s an easy watercolor painting activity for toddlers? Kids love this paint the plates activity! You need to try it!
What are some simple easy toddler art activities?
There are so many different types of art activities you can try! We love this paint the plates watercolor painting activity because it’s easy to set up and allows for a lot of creativity!
Want to see this watercolor painting activity in action?
Watch the short instruction video below or scroll down for more details!
Supplies Needed for this Watercolor Painting Activity
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- Paint brushes (I’m obsessed with these paintbrushes but a regular foam brush also works!)
- Paper plates (just grab the cheapest uncoated plates at any store)
Why are painting activities good for toddlers?
Painting activities are so good for toddlers because they support so many areas of their growth and development while also being fun!
Here are 7 reasons painting is good for toddlers:
- Painting helps kids strengthen their hand and finger muscles.
- Painting allows kids to learn through their senses.
- Painting lets toddlers express thoughts, feelings, and ideas before they can fully use words.
- Painting introduces early concepts like cause and effect and helps kids explore problem-solving and decision-making.
- Painting helps toddlers expand their vocabulary and communication skills.
- Painting can be calming and give toddlers a healthy outlet for big feelings.
- Painting can provide opportunities for kids to work on sharing materials, taking turns, and working together with others.
RELATED: I share more about fine motor skills and how to help kids build them in my new ebook, Fine Motor Magic! This ebook also includes some fun art activities.
Help kids build strong fine motor skills with Fine Motor Magic!
A simple guide for busy parents to strengthen their kids’ fine motor skills at home.
How to set up this Watercolor Painting Activity
- Grab some paper plates and stick them to a wall inside or outside your house. You can also stick them to a fence like we did. Use painters tape to make sure you don’t pull any paint off your walls!
- Next, set up the watercolors on a table nearby with paint brushes and some water.
- Now kids are ready to create! Wasn’t that easy?
Watercolor Painting Activity Instructions
This activity is so easy that it barely needs any instructions! I just put out the materials and kids started creating.
With younger toddlers, grab a paint brush along with them and show them how to dip the paintbrush into the watercolors and then paint onto the plates.
Toddlers may need a reminder to paint ON the plate instead of on the wall or fence.
Check out my pro-tip below for how to make watercolor painting the easiest activity for toddlers.
My pro tip for watercoloring with toddlers
Use a pipette to get the watercolors wet BEFORE kids come and paint!
Just squeeze a drop of water into each color, using a pipette, and all kids have to do is mix the water onto the paint and they’re ready to paint!
See my tip in action by watching the video below (or check out the
How can I adapt this for older kids?
You can keep this art activity simple for older kids and let them use their imaginations and just paint the plates, or you can give them a little direction and a prompt.
For example, here are some prompts you could use with big kids as they paint the plates:
- Paint each plate to look like a different face (or your own!)
- Paint each plate to look like a flower (like this)
- Make different shapes and lines and colors on each plate.
What else would you add?
Help kids build strong fine motor skills with Fine Motor Magic!
A simple guide for busy parents to strengthen their kids’ fine motor skills at home.
Need more easy toddler art activities?
We put a ton of our favorite toddler art activities all in one place! Go here to check it out!
What are some other easy toddler art activities?
Do you have any other favorite toddler art activities or watercolor art activities? Tell us about them in the comments!
