In this BLOG post I will teach you what monster truck painting is, how to extend your learning and play and our BEST messy-play tips!
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Head to our Instagram page to see more ways to learn & play at home or in the classroom! We love to see you play & share the joy of hands-on crafts & activities at home. Be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife on Instagram or Facebook if you try any of our ideas!!
XO Gina
If you have a truck lover, this is a MUST. It is fun, engaging and so simple to set-up.
We like to grab monster trucks from our local Dollar Store to keep this cost-effective, but you can use any car or truck or vehicle with wheels that you have!
What is process art?
Process art is open-ended & child led. It is more about the process or creating & exploring of materials than it is the final product.
Process art is fun, unique & beneficial for all ages. If you are looking to incorporate process art into your day, offer a variety of materials & sit back & watch them create!
Benefits of Process Art:
Builds fine motor skills.
Develops creative thinking skills.
Encourages problem solving skills.
Develop decision making skills.
Improves confidence.
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Not only is this FUN, but there are also so many learning opportunities.
What is the name of this color?
What happens when I mix the colors together?
What happens when I push down hard on the truck? What if I push lighter?
How long can the truck go before I run out of paint?
Can we make letters with the wheels? What about numbers, shapes or words?
Materials:
Butcher paper or construction paper
Washable paints
Trucks, cars, motor vehicles
Plate or sensory tray
Step 1: Pick a few vehicles to paint with. They can be as big or small as you'd like. It is fun to explore varied sizes, this will add an extra layer of learning as you observe which wheels make bigger or smaller tracks!
Step 2: lay down your butcher paper or construction paper. I like to tape the corners down to secure it.
Step 3: Squirt a few drops of paint on a sensory tray or paper plate.
Step 4: Dip the tires in the paint and PLAY!
Step 5: If you are looking to extend your learning and play, keep reading for my favorite tip!!!
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My BEST tip for extending learning and play...turn this into a TRUCK WASH when you are done!
Add in a bucket of warm, soapy water and a sponge or toothbrush and have them scrub the vehicles clean. It works on a TON of skills, it's an additional activity and you don't have to worry about the clean-up!
Clean-up Tips:
For easy clean up: keep wipes nearby, along with a plastic bag or trash bin to discard.
Wear old clothes or a bathing suit, and plan to head to the tub after this fun sensory play!
Take it outdoors! Wash it off with a hose when you're done.
Choose an area in your home that is "safe." Find a spot that can be easily wiped clean and won't ruin any surfaces.
Other Process Art Materials:
Paints (watercolors, tempura, finger paints, etc.
Crayons, markers, colored pencils.
Collage materials: magazines, newspapers or scrap paper.
Nature paintbrushes.
String or yarn.
Chalk.
Scissors and tape (painters' tape or washi tape.
Bubble wrap.
Check out our DIY Process Art Wall HERE!!!
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You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
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