02 November 2017
By
Tara Charlesworth, Buyer for Arts, Crafts and Creative Textiles
Take children away from their tables and chairs to get them stretching, running, stomping and jumping while they create.
These activities are a fun and exciting way for children to explore mark making, and maybe particularly beneficial for children who struggle to concentrate.
No mess painting
A great activity with no mess (apart from getting a little wet!) Draw simple shapes and patterns with pavement chalk, then ask your little learners to colour it in with paint brushes and water. They will love seeing the different patterns they can create.

Painting races
Ready, steady, go! Get children to race up and down with these fantastic wheelie painters. Each one creates a different pattern, and are perfect for those big gross motor skills. The competition element of the game will keep children focused and engaged.

Painted animal tracks
Children can create their own animal tracks with these fun stampers. Engage their imaginations by asking them to act like the animal whose footprints they are creating. Once you're finished, get other children to follow the trail and see where it leads.

Handprint flowers and trees
Stretch up high! Draw the outlines of a tree and flower on large sheets of paper which children can then add leaves and petals using their hands and washable paint. Make sure you put the paper high enough that they have to really stretch to reach the top branches!
