Mr. Incredible’s suit took on a whole new look with preschool paint-by-dots! And I confess. This wasn’t even my idea. As my four-year-old bounced from room to room looking for something to do, he finally looked up at me and said Mom, can you do that paint-by-dots thing for The Incredibles? This was a fun preschool activity for that late afternoon lull before dinner.
RELATED: Here are 40 easy painting activities for kids.
Painting and The Incredibles. A Winning Combination
Art activities for kids can be kept simple, but making this suit per request, threw me for a loop. Yet, after a few tries, we finally had an outline. And you know what? My preschooler needed to watch me struggle a little with the drawing demonstrating how I didn’t give up and the self-talk I used when frazzled. Overall, five stars for this paint by dots!
My preschooler has not taken this costume off since it came home with us. Yes, he even sleeps in it. He has also watched The Incredibles One and Two many, many times. If you are headed to Disney with your family, you will want to read these 10 tips.
This interest is his JAM, and I am here to ride the wave. I knew this painting activity would be a win for a few reasons:
- It was HIS idea.
- He enjoys painting.
- Paint by Number is also on repeat.
When preparing activities, thinking about what our children enjoy and what actions light them up is helpful.
RELATED: Unsure how to get started? Here is how to paint with kids.
My paint-by-dots trick
Good news! We don’t need to rely on memory to make an image come to life. Google images are my best friend.
Before I do any drawing (like this Pup Tower) or painting (like this Elmer painting), I like to first Google easy ______ drawing. – Gets me started every time!
My four-year-old watched me draw, try again, and remind myself not to give up.
Is this an exact drawing? NOPE. But my preschooler was pleased, which is what I aimed for. – success!
RELATED: Activities for kids are my jam. No doubt, it is where my brain is at 90% of the day.
Fine and gross motor skills for the WIN!
This painting activity has a few major perks. Here, we are working on fine motor and gross motor skills simultaneously.
Fine motor helps with dexterity and strengthens small hand muscles for writing, buttoning, tying, and other small movements down the road. My preschooler is working on fine motor strength as he grips the paintbrush. If you are new to fine motor skills, start with this article.
My preschooler is working on his gross motor skills by painting on a verticle surface. Here, he is using his arm strength to paint. This builds muscle for throwing, jump roping, and climbing skills.
RELATED: Looking for art supplies? I have you covered with my favorites.
Is painting messy?
You know this is not our first go-around with paint. Things don’t necessarily get mess-free over time. You’ll notice he has a little black paint on his pants.
Instead, it is more like the system of how to paint (on the actual paper) becomes more refined with practice.
If this is your first time painting, read how to paint with toddlers.
Set up
- To begin, I add the paint into a muffin tin. I like to leave a few circles open to mix the colors.
- Draw a simple pencil outline of something your child enjoys.
- Add dots with markers to match the color needed to be added.
- Hang the builder’s paper on the way before the paper that he will paint on. This paper is in the painting aisle of more home improvement stores.
- Invite your child to paint.
RELATED: Enjoy arts and crafts? Here are 17 spring crafts for kids.
Supplies:
Just a few supplies will help get paint by dots started. Your child may also want to color mix and explore. That is okay too! Remember that their painting and art are a process and an invitation to creativity.
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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.
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.
White Paper Roll
This paper is a staple in our home. Place it on the table or a verticle surface. So many uses!
Remember, you don’t even need to make this ahead of time. Your preschooler can help get supplies and even set up the paint.
When finished, check out:
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FAQ
We store our art supplies in an art cart. Keeping supplies in one place helps children know where to put markers, crayons, scissors, and paper when they are finished using them. Keeping everything in one place also helps keep cleanup more productive.
Start with only a few supplies. I begin with markers, paper, and child scissors. Over time, you can add more art supplies, such as glue sticks, gel crayons, and watercolors. Too many supplies can be overwhelming on introduction.
The best art ideas for kids can be mess free! This list of art activities for kids has 50+ ideas for easy art ideas, painting, and recyclable art ideas.
