Crafts for toddlers often have more than one goal. My main goal is a special time together but often I have a secondary goal of fine motor development, learning colors, or sensory play. My daughter is 20 months old and I have no laundry list of things I want her to know at this age, my goal is to expose her to lots of fun activities and see what she takes a liking to. She loves water play so I thought she might like to try puffy paint again, I was right. This St. Patrick’s Day sensory play activity is great for preschoolers too, don’t think simple crafts like this are only for toddlers.
- Gather your materials. You will need some plain old shaving cream, green paint ( darker the better), something to stir with, plain white glue, a marker, scissors and heavy paper.
- Start by drawing a shamrock on heavy paper don’t worry about it being even close to perfect you will be slopping and squishing puffy paint all over it!
- Time to mix. My son who was playing Lego in the playroom but didn’t want to make a craft did pop up to help mix. I do this so often I don’t measure anymore. I usually use about a cup of shaving cream to about 1/4 cup of glue. Then add the paint until it’s the color you want. Ours was greener than it looks but definitely a mint green.
- Start playing.
- She wasn’t sure at first.
- But soon both her hands were squishing, spreading and exploring.
- Yay fun!! We played and played.
- She was not happy when I told her it was time to wash hands.
- But washing the container in the sink was a great treat… for both of us.
- Let dry (at least 24 hours so the paint stays puffy even after you cut into it) and cut out to enjoy the results of your St. Patrick’s Day Sensory play.
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Want more great ideas for preschool activities? Check out our Build Preschool Thematic Curriculum Units!
[email protected] says
My little ones would love this activity! I think we will try and squeeze these in tomorrow. Thanks for the great idea!
Ellen says
How do you explain St Patrick’s day to your kids? Or do you? We aren’t Irish and mostly I think of St Patty’s as wear green and drink a lot (from my pre mama days). And my son is definitely in the why phase so I need an explanation but honestly can’t come up with a good one appropriate for a 2 and a half year old.
I love your projects! And this one might help us through a rainy weekend.
Samantha says
My two year old daughter and nephew had a blast today doing this. I was teaching them about green and Saint Patricks Day. Great idea thanks so much!
Allison McDonald says
Thank you so much for taking the time to come tell me that! So happy they had fun.