Painting the Sky with Our Fingers
With an imaginary brush on their fingertips, children paint the ceiling, the walls and the floor by reaching up, to the sides and down. They gently warm up shoulders, sides and back.
How to play
- Standing apart, each child dips a finger into an imaginary paint can and picks a favorite color (1 min).
- Paint the sky: up on tiptoes, arms way up, making big clouds with the finger (1 min).
- Paint the walls: one arm over the head, lean to one side and then the other like a rainbow (1 min).
- Paint the floor: bend the knees, go down slowly and make colorful puddles around the feet (1 min).
- Wash the brush: shake out hands, arms and the whole body and take a big breath (1 min).
Rules
- I paint slowly so the paint doesn't drip.
- I paint in my own spot without touching anyone.
- I stretch as far as I can without hurting.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just sky and floor, copying the teacher painting in front.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, sky, walls and floor, changing color for each part.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher names a shape (circle, zigzag, number 1) and they paint it big in each place.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: paint seated, reaching up and to the sides from the chair.
- Visual impairment: a buddy tells them where they're painting («up!») and the teacher guides the arm the first time.
- Less coordination: paint with the whole open hand instead of one finger.
Learning goals
- Stretch shoulders and sides.
- Explore the space around the body.
- Warm up calmly.
Teacher tip
Great first thing in the morning or as a transition. Exaggerate your moves and name the colors: kids buy into the story right away.
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