Painting with kids appears to be a lot of work. The paints, the brushes, the mess! Yet, painting with kids goes much smoother than we may have imagined most of the time. Let’s paint Elmer the Elephant and give this easy painting idea a try. Preschool activities don’t have to be complicated, and I have hundreds of ideas to help kids kick off play.
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!
Painting; the big idea
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 suspect it was because he felt like he could not 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
- 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. Art activities do not need to mean messy activities. Pick the one that best suits your family!
We also love watercolors as a more controlled painting idea.
Supplies
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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SUPPLY NOTE: Use builder’s paper from a home improvement store to layer your tabletop. This paper is typically found in the painting aisle. You can also order from Amazon using this brown kraft paper roll link.
Elmer the Elephant
Oh boy, do we love this book! Learn the importance of being yourself from a very colorful elephant.
Crayola Washable Paint
When we first began painting, we used this set. It makes a terrific starter set for those ready to paint but not quite all in.
Paint Brushes for Kids
Every set of paint needs paintbrushes. This set will last a few years as you paint with watercolors or tempera paint.
How to set up
Painting Elmer is pretty low prep with these five steps.
- Read Elmer the Elephant and get familiar with the storyline.
- Tape down the paper on the table or floor.
- Quickly sketch an elephant to set up. Using Google for this is critical! I type in easy elephant (or what I am searching for) drawings and typically find what I need.
- Add washable paint into a muffin tin and allow some sections to stay empty for color mixing.
- Invite your child to paint Elmer. Anything goes!
More painting ideas for kids
Do you love painting with kids and crave more creative ideas? Here are a few of my favorites.
Who has time to search for ideas?
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FAQ
Watercolor paints and washable tempera paints are suitable to use with kids. Before painting, I always cover my table with kraft paper or a tablecloth to protect the table. Here are my favorite art and paint supplies for kids.
This answer varies based on what age you are comfortable painting with kids. If you are ready but have questions, check out this post explaining how to paint with kids.
Good news! You do not have to keep it all! My favorite place to put kids’ artwork is on the fridge or bedroom door. Here are five ways to display your child’s artwork at home.
