Materials
pieces of white felt or flannel cloth (6" x 6")
markers/paint
magazine pictures
glue
hole punch
pipe cleaners or twist ties
Instructions
l For younger children, premix paint shades, one with a few drops of white and
one with a drop or two of black.
What to Do
1. Provide cups of various colors of paint, as well as cups (or bowls) of white paint
and black paint. Provide spoons for the children to use to scoop drops of the
shade paints (black and white) into the colored paint.
2. Help the children create containers of lighter and darker shades of paint by
adding white and black paint to each paint color. Older children can mix their
own shades. When mixing the paint, keep in mind that a little bit of black goes
a long way. Older children may want to chart the numbers of drops they mix
in to make different shades of colors.
3. Ask the children to talk about the paint colors, and then ask what happens as
they add white and black paint. Use the words light, lighter, dark, and darker.
4. Hang the pictures on a drying rack or clothesline to dry. Be sure to place a
cloth or paper under the area to catch paint drips.
5. Consider playing classical music or quiet instrumental music while the
children paint.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Talk with the children about the concept of a monochromatic painting. Can
they name the original colors of their paintings?
l Can the children describe how they made new shades of colors for their
paintings?
