BaystateParent June 2022

DIY

Ice Chalk Paints While this activity can be done indoors using a large sheet of paper, it is best done outdoors on a hard surface so that your children can make huge movements as they explore the diff erent color paints.

What You Need

Chalk Paint

h Chalk paint or Tastesafe chalk paint (see recipes at right)

h Colored chalks

h Adhesive putty h Ice­cube trays h Popsicle sticks h Paintbrush

Preparation & Instructions 1. Make your chalk paints in several colors the night before you want to do this activity.

HOW TO CREATE LITTLE HAPPY LEARNERS

2. Press a little adhesive putty into the bottom of each compartment in the ice­cube trays.

3. Push a popsicle stick into each piece of putty.

4. Pour the various colors of chalk paint into the tray and freeze overnight.

h 1 tablespoon water per color Place a colored chalk stick in a sealable plastic bag (one color per bag).

Using a rolling pin or hammer, crush the chalk into a fi ne powder.

Add the water and stir until a paste forms.

Taste-Safe ‘Chalk’ Paint h 1 tablespoon cornstarch h 2 tablespoons water h Gel food coloring Place the cornstarch, water and a drop of food coloring in a bowl and mix well.

Continue mixing in the coloring a drop at a time until you get the shade you want.

Repeat this process to make as many colors as you like.

Through the Ages AGE 1+ Make taste­safe chalk paint and spread out a large sheet of paper. Explore with your toddler how the paints melt. Can you paint a rainbow together?

AGE 2+ Experiment with the ice cubes. Prompt your child to paint their hands and feet, and to make footprints.

AGE 3+ Encourage your child to make different marks with the ice cubes. Prompt them to use the

popsicle sticks, their hands and feet, and even a paintbrush. What do they notice happens when they change tools?

AGE 4+ Look at a wet painting and then look at a dry painting. What does your child notice is different between wet and dry paint?

AGE 5+ Explore mixing the chalk paint colors. Can it be done? What happens to each of the colors?

Prompt your child to tell you exactly what they have painted.

Excerpted from “How to Create Little Happy Learners” by Sophie David, which features 60 fun, tried and tested activities for parents and their children to enjoy.

8 | JUNE 2022 | BayStateParent