Painting with water
Painting with water outside removes the mess from messy play. Use a range of brushes to support muscles and coordination as you paint on a wall, fence or pathway with your toddler. Support language and encourage observation as the water evaporates.
Why do it?
- Painting with water is outdoor messy play without any hassles.
- It’s a refreshing activity for hot weather.
- It’s also an opportunity to notice and talk about what happens to the water (it disappears as it evaporates).
- It can be a soothing activity for both a frazzled toddler and their parents.
How to do it
- You need water in a container, preferably one with a handle so it can be easily carried, and a brush (art brush or little paint brush) or a small sponge works too.
- If you need to, show your child how to paint with water and notice how the appearance of some things changes when wet.
- It’s OK to paint the path, fence, house and toys — it’s only water!
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Taiapa | Fence |
| Ara | Path |
| Whare | House |
| Peita | Paint |
| Wai | Water |
| Paraihe | Brush |
| Hautai | Sponge |
| Pākete | Bucket |
| Ipu | Container |
| Tōmiti | To evaporate, dry up |
| Māku | Wet |
| Raumaroke | To dry |
| Tāora | Towel |
| Patapata | Drip |
| Riringi | Pour |
| Uwhiuwhi | Sprinkle |
| Pātai | Question |
| He aha kei roto i te pākete? | What's in the bucket? |
| Pōrutu | Splashing |
| Nōku te wā | My turn |
| Nōu te wā | Your turn |
| Me titiro | Have a look |
| He makariri tēnei wai | This water is cold |
