This week we introduced fold painting in Jk. For this type of painting, we offer kids a few colors of paint with pipettes along with folded pieces of construction paper. We demonstrated the process at grouptime. First, you open the paper. Then, you submerge a pipette tip into the paint, squeeze the pipette and then let go so that paint travels into it. Once your pipette is full of paint, you can squirt the paint onto the construction paper. Then, you can add more paint and include different colors. Once a painter feels finished applying color, they then fold the paper and press, spreading the paint. After this, you can open your paper and see your design. Fold painting creates a mirror image and blends the paint colors in interesting ways.
JK kids have been excited to give fold painting a try. Just using the pipettes can be tricky, especially with thick tempera paint. The pipettes allow a limited amount of control in how much and where the paint is applied. Many children have enjoyed sucking the paint into the pipettes, experimenting with squirting the paint onto the paper, deciding where to apply the paint and opening up their papers to see the final product. This activity offers opportunities to develop fine motor control, explore physical properties and express creativity. Many are dazzled by the beauty of their paintings and enjoy thinking about what they look like.
