Valentines is just around the corner and today I would like to share with you a lovely activity that combines Sensory Play and Process Art. I do this activity often with my children and they find the activity therapeutic. The aroma of the foam is refreshing and the swirls created are simply beautiful.
We just can't get enough of this activity and enjoyed it so much when we linked it to Winter, here is a Valentines spin.
It is important to keep a close eye on the children whilst enjoying activities like this. Shaving cream is not edible so you will need to make sure the children who are taking part are able to fully understand - not put this in their mouths.
Something else to consider is children with sensitive skin. You can choose cream that is kinder to sensitive skin or encourage these children to paint using items such as a twig/paint brush/kebab stick/straw etc - to avoid contact with their skin.
It is important to keep a close eye on the children whilst enjoying activities like this. Shaving cream is not edible so you will need to make sure the children who are taking part are able to fully understand - not put this in their mouths.
Something else to consider is children with sensitive skin. You can choose cream that is kinder to sensitive skin or encourage these children to paint using items such as a twig/paint brush/kebab stick/straw etc - to avoid contact with their skin.
You will need:
Paints
Biodegradable Glitter (optional) - UK / US
A pointer/Stirrer/Twig etc
A pointer/Stirrer/Twig etc
Fill your container with shaving foam. This is something your children may enjoy helping with, depending on their fine motor strength and control.
You will need to be careful about the shaving cream you select. Children's skin is more sensitive than our skin. I find the Aveeno Sensitive Shaving Gel (On Amazon here - UK / US) causes no irritation on my daughters skin who does suffer with the odd outbreak of eczema.
Once the cream has been squired out use your hand/a wooden spoon/ruler to spread it out flat. Squirt lots of lovely paint into the foam and add your glitter if you wish.
Once the cream has been squired out use your hand/a wooden spoon/ruler to spread it out flat. Squirt lots of lovely paint into the foam and add your glitter if you wish.
Did you know that you can purchase glitter that is fully biodegradable? (See Biodegradable Glitter choices on Amazon here - UK / US)
When presenting the children with activities like this always have an alternative method to mark make. Initially my daughter she likes to explore the texture and make marks using - a stick for example. She always gets stuck in at the end, but if your children don't want to do that - that is perfectly fine. You could look at using Heart cocktail stirrers. They would compliment this activity beautifully and can be found over on Amazon - UK / US. Remember to select materials that wont absorb the shaving foam and paint.
Using the end of your stick/pointer, drag it through the shaving foam and watch beautiful swirls appear before your eyes!! The more you drag your finger or pointer through the foam - the more the colours will mix together. Just simply add another layer of shaving cream and more paint when you would like to redo the activity.
You could extend the activity by adding spoons and bowls for the children to scoop up. It will get messy. Just remember to use materials that are easy to clean up afterwards. You may want to avoid using wooden items as wood absorbs moisture so the paint could stain.
You could extend the activity by adding spoons and bowls for the children to scoop up. It will get messy. Just remember to use materials that are easy to clean up afterwards. You may want to avoid using wooden items as wood absorbs moisture so the paint could stain.
Lets take a took at this activity in action:
What Valentines crafts and activities have you been enjoying? We would love to see them!!
Have you joined our Learning Through Play GROUP yet? Its the place you can be inspired by other like minded people and share your photos to inspire too! We have everything being shared from Outdoor Areas, Tuff Trays, Dens, Literacy set ups, Funky Fingers and endless crafts!
Other posts to check out on Learning and Exploring Through Play:
Hi, I like this sensory painting idea, but don't know how you would do the painting part. Do you have a video of how to actually trasfer this on the paper, too? I am planning a Valentine day party for teenager girls, it could be a good activity perhaps...
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