Then, they will lift their bears off the paint … January is our favorite time to talk about hibernation, placing extra focus on sleepy winter bears. We create a bears’ den in the dramatic play area, use bear props while reading and singing during circle time, and enjoy painting bears at the art table. Several years ago I added another fun art activity that involves dipping toy bears into paint and creating tracks. It’s such a hit that it’s now in my January lesson plans every year! Always! Anytime I put some toys on the art table with a tray of paint, I get an instant group of interested children. You might have seen these other toy painting ideas:
Making Dinosaur Tracks Making Bug Tracks Creating Rainbows with Toy Cars Painting Farm Animals
There’s something fun about painting in three dimension, where children learn how to paint on top, below, inside and around. We’ve also painted bear paws on ice! Click here to see! In the photos you will notice how our little artists need to use one hand to hold the bear while using the other hand to work the paintbrush. At first it takes great concentration as they work both hands, but once they get the hang of it, they want to keep on going! I love this activity because:
It’s loved by toddlers It’s easy to set up It requires few materials
So, let’s get started!
Setting up the paper:
Group Activity If you want this to be a group activity, cover the entire table with white paper (we have a roll of paper for these types of activities). Tape the edges of the paper to the table so it doesn’t slide around. Individual Activity Place a sheet of paper on a tray. This can be for one child or multiple children. You will want a tray with paper for each child involved.
Setting up the paint:
You will want shallow containers that are big enough to hold at least one bear. Squirt the brown paint into the tray and place a bear on top.
How to Do This Toddler Bear Tracks Painting Activity
Once everything is set up, it’s time to get those bears walking! First, your toddlers will move their bears around in the paint. …and then make the bear “walk” on the white paper. There are no rules to this! CLICK HERE for more process art activities!
Winter Bear Books to Read:
The Curious Cares of Bears A Den is a Bed for a Bear Baby Bear Sees Blue Where, Oh Where, Is Baby Bear? Fine Motor Snowflake Art Polar Bear Masks Here is my Privacy Policy
