Paint the ice is the coolest!
Okay, I know that was a little cheesy, but it had to be the title. – Paint the ice is the coolest in every sense of the word!
If you have preschoolers, you must give this ice activity a go. There has never been a time that my three-year-old and four-year-old were more engaged.
RELATED: Looking for simple activities on the fly? These activity cards will help everyone begin the day with play.
Sensory play is my go-to every single time my one-year-old takes a nap.
Since my older two no longer nap, sensory play activities such as this gives me a chance to catch my breath. Once the boys are set up, they are always good for 30-45 minutes of independent play.
That’s right! Breakfast Invitations in the morning, and sensory bin after that. Together they really work hand and hand to jumpstart creativity!
You will also see that we rotate through 50+ preschool activities to help keep everyone busy!
RELATED: Love painting? Check out these 40+ easy painting activities for kids!
How can we paint the ice?
Do you have an ice maker?
If so, you have the main supply for this post. The supplies are also pretty simple to pull together in a pinch.
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Shower Liner – One day, I just went to the guest bathroom and took it straight off the rod. We have used it 217 times since.
Begin by reminding your preschoolers that primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. You can continue reinforcing this with Color Mixing Paper and Primary Hunt and Sort.
Easy Breezy Set-Up:
Grab that shower curtain and find a safe spot.
A shower curtain provides a buffer. You can only say, “Stay inside the bin” so many times. Now when I say it, what I really mean is stay on the shower curtain. – I don’t tell them that. As a mom, you have to set yourself up not to get stressed out. Who knew a shower curtain could provide so much calm?!
Fill each squirt bottle with a small amount of paint.
Use only primary colors.
Add water to the rest of the bottle.
Shake the squirt bottle.
Dump Ice into a large storage bin.
Allow your preschoolers to decide what is next.
RELATED: Want to back up and see how I introduce sensory play? This beginner’s guide to sensory play has what you need.
Pro tip with ice sensory play: Set limits
Allow one refill. Your preschoolers may get so excited about this ice sensory play that they will squirt the entire bottle in 4 seconds flat. hashtag – been there, done that
Allow your preschoolers to come back for one last fill up, and then hand them over some kitchen tools you no longer use.
By now, the ice is beginning to melt, and your preschooler has now moved onto water play. Are you catching on how effective ice and water are in your daily routine? Here’s how I create our predictable schedule.
RELATED: Did you know that can also use ice on the light table?
What is going on behind the scenes?
- Fine motor strength
Inquiry-based learning
Color mixing
- Squeezing is preparing for pencil grip.
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Collaborative Play
Decision Making
Child-led learning
Who wants more water play? Find 35+ Water Play Ideas HERE, all in one place.
Does the paint the ice and neon water play, stain?
Hi! It does not since there is so much water.