For your young child(ren) the process and sensations of drawing and painting are just as, if not more, important than the final product. Let them explore the unique experience of painting with ice cubes and a powdered drink mix
Materials Needed:
- Vinyl tablecloth or other protective cover for work surface
- Paper
- Ice cubes
- Unsweetened drink mix (Kool-Aid) still in powder form
Directions:
- Spread tablecloth over work area.
- Put out several sheets of plain paper.
- Sprinkle small amounts of different colors of Kool-Aid onto the paper.
- Give your child an ice cube and let them “paint” by sliding it over the Kool-Aid.
- As the cube melts the Kool-Aid paint spreads over the picture.
- Change out ice cubes as necessary.
- Allow each picture to dry thoroughly before displaying,
It might not look like much, but most children are very interested by this multi-sensory experience. Children see the colors form on the paper. They feel the texture of the drink mix and the coldness of the ice. They can smell the different flavors of drink mix and they can actually taste the paint if they want. You can also use this activity to encourage discussions about differences like hot and cold, wet and dry.