Toddler Polar Bear Painting and Washing

Inside: Put together a toddler polar bear painting and washing activity that is not only fun, but also works fine motor skills!

Do your toddlers love to paint 3-D objects as much as mine?

Every single year!

So when we were studying polar bears during our winter theme, you can guess what I put on the table.

Yep, polar bears!

Add a second step of washing the paint off the polar bears and you will see why we loved this so much.

Toddler polar bear painting is something I will definitely be adding to my curriculum for years to come!

Toddler Polar Bear Painting and Washing

Watch the Video

Supplies

• White washable tempera paint mixed with some silver washable tempera paint (otherwise it would be hard to see the paint!)
• Paint brushes
• Trays
• Polar bears
• Bin with warm soapy water for washing the polar bears
• Small scrub brushes, sponges, and/or wash clothes

Preparation

Squirt white and silver paint into small containers.

Place trays at your art table.

On each tray have:

• Paintbrush
• Container of paint
• Polar bear

Benefits of 3D Painting

Three-dimensional art involves depth, width, and height. This encourages children to think about different angles as they paint the object.

At first toddlers might just focus on the tops of the objects, but eventually they will paint under and on the sides.

Three-dimensional art also encourages them to use two hands as they move the object while painting different areas.

Step Two: Washing the Polar Bears

Why stop at the painting when you can add washing, too?

We kept our water tub next to the art table with plenty of towels underneath.

Toddlers love water play and they love the idea of giving their polar bears a warm bath!

Once again they are working on all sides as they wash above, below, and on the sides of the polar bears.

When finished, place the polar bears on a big towel to dry. (You might need to go over them again with more water later. Notice the paint still on the polar bear below!)