Materials
- easel
- paper
- tempera paints and brushes
- spray bottle of water (with fine-mist setting)
What to do
1. If possible, place the easel near a window where the children can observe an outdoor view.
2. Invite each child to paint an outdoor scene showing the sky and earth. Encourage them to add trees, grass, flowers, and other natural features.
3. Allow the paintings to dry. Before doing the next step, explain to the children that they will be adding water droplets ("rain") to their pictures, which will dramatically change the way they look.
4. Elevate the children, one at a time, on a sturdy chair or stool. Direct the children to spray the top of their paintings gently with water and watch the droplets of water roll down the page.
5. Let the child continue as long as he enjoys the effect. He may wish to enjoy the process until all the paint has been rinsed away.
-Susan A. Sharkey, La Mesa, CA
