Add some process art to your hibernation theme this winter! We love painting on ice, especially when it’s shaped for a specific season or theme. In the past we have enjoyed:
Heart Ice Painting Gingerbread Ice Painting Christmas Tree Ice Painting
Just freeze water in the pan and brush paint on top!
Often it is related to the theme, although not always. If you’ve been watching my YouTube classroom set up videos, you know I’m not a stickler for making every activity theme related. While we do some crafts in our classroom (especially during the holidays), I prefer process art. Process art is just that – all about the process rather than the end result.
With this toddler bear art activity, it was all about mixing colors on top of ice, watching them mix as the ice started melting. I didn’t need to give lengthy directions, nor did I have to do much assisting. Simple hands-on exploration!
Bear paw cake pan Watercolors Trays
*Note: If you don’t have a specially shaped cake pan, try our simple ice painting method! About the paint: While we used watercolor palettes, you could also use liquid watercolors or tempera paint thinned with water.
Preparation
Fill cake pan with water and freeze. As each set freezes, set the mold in warm water just long enough so the ice will pop out of the mold. Store each frozen bear paw in your freezer until you have the desired amount. I froze mine at home, so I used an ice chest to transport them to school. I kept them in the ice chest until it was centers time and our art table was open.
The Invitation
Once everything is ready, start painting! As I said earlier, there aren’t many instructions needed, especially if your toddlers have experienced painting.
They might want to try to pick it up, as ours did. Such a great way to add the sense of touch to an art activity!
If multiple colors are used, they will start mixing in the small puddles that might start to form.
You will experience some puddles, of course, and that’s why I put ours on a tray.
Reusing the Ice
If you have more children than you do ice, reuse it! As the first child finishes, take the ice to the sink (carrying it on the tray) and rinse using cold water. Return the tray and the ice to the art table for the second child to try.
I happened to have a short stack of fresh paper on the counter, so I decided to invite our toddlers to make a print of their work. Place the paper on top of the painted bear paw ice and rub all around.
Then, lift the paper.
Wash the trays and brushes, put away the paint, and that’s it! Bear Color Pages Colored Bears Matching Activity 1-10 Bear Counting Cards Bears and Caves Color Matching Bear Light Table Activity Winter Bear Art Here is my Privacy Policy
