Let’s paint Elmer the Elephant!
Painting with kids appears to be a lot of work. The paints, the brushes, the mess! Yet, painting with kids goes a lot smoother than we may have imagined most of the time. Let’s paint Elmer the Elephant and give this easy painting idea a try!
I’ve got a few ideas to make the painting more enjoyable for all.
RELATED: First time painting? Check out this guide to painting with kids!
Did I mention this painting idea is easy?
What makes it simple is the fact that it is process art.
With process art, the kids take the wheel.
Your child has the freedom to create his patchwork for Elmer. Not sure who Elmer the Elephant is? I’ve got you covered in the supply list below. It is one of our absolute favorite books!
RELATED: You will LOVE these easy painting ideas for kids!
I pick my paints wisely.
Here, I grabbed our favorite muffin tin and added primary colors. I also like to add white for my preschooler to brighten the colors he makes.
As he thinks about what colors, I hear him begin to think aloud.
Mom, what colors again make purple? Blue and Red, that’s right. I remember.
Different color combination questions were on repeat until I made dinner. – I know. Making dinner as your child paints sounds pretty ambitious. Remember, this is not his first time painting. Here is how he started painting as a toddler.
Now that my four-year-old has had some practice, I can get something done as he paints. With time and practice, you’ll get there as well!
I asked my preschooler if he would like me to add Elmer the Elephant’s signature patchwork grid, and he did not. I have a suspicion it was because he feels like he cannot paint within the parameter of each square.
Painting free-style is fine by me! As my four-year-old paints, new ideas will come to mind.
Before my preschooler paints, we review a few things.
- Here is where you mix the colors.
- This is where you can add the paint.
- Here is how you wash and dry your paint in between uses.
Reviewing these simple steps can avoid many frustrations from assuming our children know what we expect. This preparation sets a positive start!
We also love watercolors as a more controlled painting idea.
Let’s talk details!
We open and tape down paper grocery bags or this large builder’s paper shown above whenever my children paint. I find it at Home Depot in the painting section. It makes an excellent base for the tabletop or canvas!
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Here is what you need:
- Elmer the Elephant book
- Washable liquid paint – starter set
- Washable liquid paint – 16oz
- Paintbrushes for kids
- Heavyweight white paper – to scale this down
- Use builder’s paper from a home improvement store to layer your tabletop. This paper is typically found in the painting aisle.
I tape down the paper on the table or garage floor and quickly sketch an elephant to set up. Using Google for this is critical! I type in easy elephant (or what I am searching for) drawing and typically find what I need!
Have you read this children’s book?
You don’t necessarily need to to get started, but it makes a super fun painting activity to go alongside a great read if so!
When will you try this simple painting activity for kids?
