
Straw Painting Materials:
•red, white, and blue tempera paint
•large construction paper
•straws
•water
•paper towels for clean up
Straw Painting Directions:
1. Place construction paper on the ground outside
2. Pour the paint into small dishes
3. Put the end of a straw into the paint, then hold the straw over the paper and blow the paint
4. Allow to dry before hanging
Skills Addressed:
•Increased attention and focus on a task
•Following step-by-step directions
•Making choices
•Color recognition and identification
•Oral motor skill development
•perceptual-motor skill development
•Increased art appreciation
•Development of positive self-esteem through the success of completing the project.

Shadow Art Materials:
•red, white, and blue chalk
•Hose connected to water supply
•A sunny day
•Paper towel towels for clean up
Shadow Art Directions:
1. Show children their shadow on the ground on a sunny day
2. Have the child trace the outline of your shadow and fill in body spaces
3. Use a sprinkler or hose to wash off the sidewalk when finished.
Skills Addressed:
· Increased awareness of self and body parts
· Recognition and identification of body parts
· Receptive and expressive language skill development
· Concept of shadow
· improves focus attention to the task
· Sensory-motor skill development
· Perceptual Motor skill development
· Eye-hand coordination
This is a guest post by Debbie Scaccio, Arts and Crafts Specialist, and the staff at Block Institute.
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