Colourful Creations

Overview

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Class Size: 8 students
• Age Group: EYFS (3-4 years old)
• Subject: Art and Design
• Focus: Developing Fine Motor Skills

Curriculum Area

Specific Area: Expressive Arts and Design (EAD)
EYFS Development Matters: Exploring and Using Media and Materials; Being Imaginative

Learning Objectives

• To develop fine motor skills through painting and drawing.
• To explore different colours and textures.
• To express creativity and imagination.

Materials Needed

• Washable paints in various colours
• Large sheets of paper
• Paintbrushes of various sizes
• Sponges and stamps
• Aprons or old shirts
• Wet wipes or cloths for cleaning hands
• Large plastic tablecloths to protect tables

Preparation

1. Cover tables with plastic tablecloths.
2. Set up a painting station with paints, brushes, sponges, and stamps.
3. Lay out large sheets of paper on the tables.
4. Ensure each child has an apron to wear.

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Welcome and Introduction: Gather the children in a circle. Explain that today they will become artists and make colourful creations.

2. Discussion: Ask the children about their favourite colours. Show them the paints and ask them to identify each colour.

3. Motor Skills Warm-Up: Engage the children in a quick finger exercise. Have them wiggle their fingers, make a fist, and then stretch out their fingers wide.

Main Activity (30 minutes)

1. Instructions (5 minutes):

   • Demonstrate how to use the paintbrushes, sponges, and stamps.
   • Show examples of different techniques they can use (e.g., dabbing the sponge, using the side of the brush, stamping).
   • Encourage them to explore mixing colours on their paper.

2. Painting Time (25 minutes):

   • Allow the children to choose a spot at the table.
   • Give them creative freedom to paint anything they desire.
   • Move around the classroom, offering individual support and encouragement.

Key Points to Emphasise:

• Hold the brush like a pencil to improve grip strength.
• Use gentle strokes to control the brush.
• Mixing colours can create new and exciting shades.

Clean-Up (5 minutes)

1. Instructions:

   • Show the children how to clean their brushes and sponges.
   • Encourage them to help wipe down surfaces and wash their hands.

2. Clean-Up Activity:

   • Sing a clean-up song while tidying the workstations.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Art Gallery Walk:

   • Arrange all the paintings in a circle and walk around with the children to view each other's work.
   • Ask each child to talk briefly about their painting.

2. Reflection:

   • Praise their effort and creativity.
   • Highlight specific fine motor skills they practised.

Differentiation

• Support: Provide additional guidance and physical assistance to children struggling with brush control.
• Extension: Encourage advanced students to create more detailed artwork or to experiment with more complex techniques (like layering colours).

Assessment

• Observation: During the activity, observe each child's grasp of the brush, control, and ability to follow instructions.
• Discussion: Listen to their explanations during the Art Gallery Walk to assess their understanding and creativity.

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This lesson plan provides a vibrant and engaging way to develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity and self-expression, tailored specifically for EYFS preschoolers in the UK.