We are always looking for new ways to encourage mark making so with a bug theme ‘Fly Swot’ painting seemed just the ticket. The Den children were offered fly swots dipped in paint and invited to swot the canvas. Some children took to it with greater enthusiasm and vigour than others! Reaching high, using gross motor actions, hitting the canvas hard and marvelling at the effects of their actions.
Others watched as the activity grew and were drawn in, (pardon the pun!) choosing to join in and participate. Boys and girls showed an interest showing enjoyment at the freedom the activity gave. Especially the boys who stereotypically don’t choose to participate in mark making activities.
Using different primary colours colour mixing magic was explored and some of our children who had been exploring the ‘squeezey’ bottles, (an activity provided to strengthen our children’s hands ready for mark making) decided to squirt the canvas too! This created a dribble effect and combined maths concepts as we experimented to see how high our aim could reach. A simple activity has helped our children achieve many Early Learning Goals but most importantly we all had a lot of fun. If a child is happy and enjoying their experiences they will learn and grow in confidence, giving them the building blocks to achieve their potential.
Tam Chivers