Materials
Yarn, cut in 1' (30 cm) lengths
Scissors
Glue
Toilet paper tubes, one per child
Tempera paint
Paint trays
Paper
Instructions
What to do
1. Have the children cover the yarn with glue and wrap it around the toilet paper tube in any
design. Let the glue dry for at least one hour.
2. While the tubes are drying, pour tempera paint into trays and give each child a sheet of paper.
3. When the tubes, or paint rollers, are dry, have the children place their index and middle fingers
inside the tubes and roll them through the paint. Some children will prefer to roll the tube with
the palms of their hands.
4. Show the children how to lift the roller from the paint tray and roll it back and forth on their
paper, creating a design.
More to do
More art: Working in small groups, create large rollers from wrapping paper tubes. Brush paint on
the tubes and roll the paint onto large sheets of craft paper. Use for murals, a bulletin board, or
wrapping paper.
Movement: Encourage the children to find a partner and roll a ball back and forth.
Outdoors: Invite the children to lie on their sides and roll down a hill at the schoolyard or at
home.
Science: Build ramps using blocks or small slides and roll balls, trucks, or cars down the slope.
