I really love this painting activity because you end up with a different picture each time. In my house we always have to do LOTS of these at a time. As I speak my 5 year old is still going with the activity and we have about 20 paintings scattered around the house! It’s a really great activity when you want something that a toddler and older sibling can do too.
Butterfly Painting for Toddlers
Today we are going to be making butterfly paintings for toddlers. I’ve always loved making these paintings and I know that children of all ages still get a thrill out of seeing their painting ’emerge’. If you have older sibling then this is a great activity that you can all do together. This toddler painting activity is our Day 3 Challenge as part of our 10 Day Toddler Painting Challenge – you can sign up HERE if you would like to take part.
Butterfly Painting for Toddlers
I always like to get out the paints and make butterfly paintings after we read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Today we’re doing our Butterfly paintings as part of our 10 Day Toddler Painting Challenge. Yesterday we painted with fruit and vegetables and I have loved seeing your photos in our Facebook group and on Instagram (follow #MyBoredToddler to see everyone else’s creations).
- Paint
- Paper – we used printer sized paperand then moved on to some larger easel paper. Any size works as long as it can easily be folded
- Paint brush
- Wipes
- Splashmat and painting clothes.
How to make Butterfly Painting
These butterfly paintings are really easy to make.
- Fold a piece of paper in half
- Encourage your child to paint only one half of the picture. Putting blobs of paint on in random spots works the best.
- Fold the paper in half again.
- Have your child squish the paper together and spread out the paint (they can normally feel the paint underneath)
- Carefully (adult help is often required) open the paper and see what ‘butterfly’ emerges!
I really love this painting activity because you end up with a different picture each time. In my house we always have to do LOTS of these at a time. As I speak my 5 year old is still going with the activity and we have about 20 paintings scattered around the house! It’s a really great activity when you want something that a toddler and older sibling can do too.
Here are a few more of our finished products:
Thanks so much for everyone who is joining in our 10 Day Toddle Painting Challenge. Don’t forget that you can sign up HERE if you haven’t already. Don’t forget to pop over to our Facebook Group and Instagram and share your pictures – use #MyBoredToddler . I’ll share some of your photos on my Instagram Stories too so keep an eye out!
Butterfly Paintings with Kindergarten
Beautiful spring butterflies are a great way to end the school year. Paint dotters give colorful results without a ton of mess.
Kindergartners drew these with pencil first. I read a suggestion from Patty Palmer on the art teacher Facebook group to use tracers for the top set of the wings to get the size proportional and then have the kids draw the bottom of the wings on their own. Then they used paint dotters to create symmetrical designs on the inside.
Afterwards, they went over the lines of the butterfly with black tempera paint. The black contrasts with the colors to make them “pop!”
Are you looking for some fun, independent activities for your students?
In my shop, I have a few products I’d like to highlight.
Art Discussion Cards with questions to prompt deeper thinking and conversations. Here is what one teacher said about the cards: “I love these! I will be using these often for art discussions! Thank you for such a great product! ”
Art History Sketchbook Prompts with famous artworks to inspire your drawings. Here is what art teachers have said about these prompts: “I love it and what a great idea to use when a child finishes before everyone else. Thanks so much!! ” and “These are great as they are and an easy starting point from which children or educators can elaborate.”
The Weekly Doodle: Printable Drawing Prompts. Here is what art teachers have said, “Perfect for daily bell warm up!” “Great for my Art center! Thank you!”
