It was a spontaneous idea, but it ended up enhancing our play and investigation. The paints highlighted the tracks and made them so much easier to see and follow. Also, the color definitely kept my three-year old more focused and added to her excitement.
Here's a quick how to and some observations on our experience. Also hang in there until the end and there's a giveaway!
What You Need
- A cup of water (if the snow isn't wet or slushy)
- A paint brush
- Non-toxic watercolors or acrylicsNotes: We love art supplies from Nature of Art for Kids, they are non-toxic and made in the USA. You can use acrylics or watercolors for this project. If you'd prefer to make your own watercolors, this is a great recipe.
- Some animal (or human) tracks in the snow
- Find your tracks
- Observe and discuss (optional)
- Paint the tracks - just be creative and have fun. There is no need to choose the same color for every track, but we did find that darker colors worked better
- If you're done painting the real tracks, imagine and paint some of your own
Questions this activity inspired:
- Why do the tracks end?
- Is this a mommy animal?
- Is there only one?
- When were they here?
- What were they doing?
- Did another other animal die (if this animal hunted it)?
- Animal identification
- Weight distribution
- Past observations of animals previously in our yard
- Winter food sources and hunting patterns
- Death and the food web (this comes up every time we talk about hunting)
- Carnivores and other types of eaters
- Nocturnal and diurnal animals
- Blending colors and rainbows
Alrighty, last but not least, I'm excited to giveaway a Watercolor Kit from Nature of Art for Kids! These watercolors are completely non-toxic and safe for children. This kit is also perfect for finger painting and contains:
- 3 Primary Watercolors, Red, Yellow Blue (8 oz each)
- Kids Smock Cover-up
- Large Palette - 6 well
- 3 paintbrushes
Your Woman Gone Wild,
PIN FOR LATER!
