Researchers have uncovered evidence that children as young as 2 decorated France’s Rouffignac caves with markings known as finger flutings at least 13,000 years ago, drawing not only simple lines but also symbolic shapes. The most prolific budding artist, thought to have been a 5-year-old girl, braved the pitch-dark caverns’ rocky terrain to hone her craft on high, remote corners—perched, perhaps, on the shoulders of an approving adult.

Finger painting is fun, creative and helps to develop both physical and social skills. From the youngest child
exploring texture and mark making skills to the older child using imagination and concentration to create a delicate picture, all children can benefit from the activity. Self-esteem is raised by mastering a new skill and creating a personal record. Sharing paints, working collaboratively and showing appreciation of other people’s work can make this into a good social learning experience.

Finger painting encourages the development of fine manipulative skills and hand-eye co-ordination. If the activity is done on the floor, children will also be using skills of balance and large muscle control and developing spatial awareness.

Children learn about how to represent their ideas and they use their imagination and creativity. They will also learn about colour and shape and spatial relationships. If they actually help to make finger paint they will be learning about how materials can change and react together.

Steps:

1. Draw a wiggly line with a brown marker to make the dirt

2. Have your kids dip their thumbs first into washable orange paint and press it against the brown line (marking the thumb-print just under the line)

3. Next, have them dip their pointer finger to mark the circle under the earlier bigger circle

4. Lastly have them use their pinky finger to mark the lowest end of the carrot!

5. Make several such carrots on various spots under the line

6. Grab some green/white bakers twine and cut them up in little pieces and glue them above the brown line

7. You can add some brown fingerprint bunnies if you want (2 fingerprints; larger just over the line and the smaller dab above the larger one, and draw 2 brown ears to complete the bunny)