Paint the shredded paper gets messy, but it’s a blast.
Upfront disclosure, paint the shredded paper does get messy. But the longevity of the squirt painting color exploration was worth it. And I am here to tell the tale of how this began.
As I began cooking dinner, I was being asked a million questions. Can I haaaaveeee an apple? Wheeeerre are my markers?
I mean, I get it. I am the keeper of all things.
But it was Easter dinner! They needed to keep busy so that I can focus on this paprika potato recipe. So after taking a quick look around, it came to me. – We needed to use all this shredded paper in the Easter baskets for an epic sensory bin.
And don’t worry! No shredded paper? Use old shredded bills.
RELATED: Here are 40+ easy painting ideas for kids.
Let’s set this sensory bin up!
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- Under the bed storage bin
- Washable paint
- Shredded paper
- Squirt containers – A fine motor activity supply you’ll use again and again.
How to set up color mixing sensory play
- Add a couple of squirts of paint to each squirt bottle.
- Add water to your paint and fill the squirt bottle.
- Fill your sensory bin with crinkle cut paper shred or use your shredded bill collection.
- Allow your preschoolers to squirt primary colors and explore different color combinations.
RELATED: 50+ Play Ideas will keep you busy year-round!
Using primary colors adds discoveries.
This primary-color mixing sensory bin was a blast!
Suddenly, can I have a snack changed to LOOK! Red and yellow make orange!
And once they got going, this activity lasted a very long time. Boom, dinner is made.
RELATED: Here is how I introduce the sensory play to my toddlers before reaching this messy play color mixing idea!
Why is this primary color mixing sensory play so important?
Preschoolers will:
- Make observations
- Engage in meaningful discussions
- Strengthen small hand muscles
- Explore texture as the paper goes from dry to wet
Need a way to help different age groups work together? Here is how we paint with kids.