Paint Weird Things!

Why do kids love to paint the bus?

Because a vehicle is such an odd thing to be allowed to paint! The excitement isn't really about the paint—it's about the surprise. Painting an object they never expected to be allowed to paint encourages children to see everyday items differently and inspires creative thinking, experimentation, and storytelling.

You don’t have to have a bus to do this! We’ve made a supply list and an inspiration list of easy-to-find things to paint so you can paint some unexpected things at home!

Supply List:

·       Washable tempera paint

·       Paintbrushes, various sizes

·       Paper or plastic cups (to hold paint)

AND any of the following:

·       Thrift store: trophies, sculptures, pottery, knickknacks, toy cars, dolls

·       Trash: paper egg cartons, damaged home goods, paper towel tubes

·       Home & garden: pieces of wood, drywall, pvc pipes, flower pots

·       Kitchen: silverware, plastic serving spoons, ice cube trays

How to facilitate:

This can be a wonderfully messy project, so you may want to cover your work surface or head outside. Set out:

·       the paint cups,

·       paintbrushes

·       one or two items they will be painting

We like to start with fewer choices, then add a new unexpected item later as a surprise. So, for example, we would have them start with an egg carton and an ice cube tray, then 15 minutes later, we would ask, “what if you could also paint a FIRE TRUCK?!” then pull a toy fire truck out for them to paint. The element of surprise often renews interest and encourages children to extend creativity time.

Resist the urge to show them "the right way" to paint an object. The goal isn't to create a beautiful painted object—it's to create a moment of surprise, discovery, and creative freedom. Sometimes all it takes is an ordinary object in an unexpected place to help a child see the world with fresh eyes.

Mystery Box Variation

Put several paintable items in a box with a towel over the top. Let them reach in and ask them questions like:

·  What does it feel like?

·  Is it smooth or bumpy?

·  Does it seem big or small?

·  What do you think it might be?

After making a guess, they can choose one object to reveal and paint.

This simple variation adds a sensory exploration component to the activity and makes the creative process feel even more like an adventure.