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We put PLAY in capital letters because it is so important to human development.

It is the vehicle children use to learn, cope, self correct and explore the world. CMoR is so dedicated to promoting play we incorporate it into everything we do.

Each week we will post on the website a new ‘PLAY of the Week’ activity for you to do with your family. It will be an unplugged activity that can be done at the dining room table, in the tub, at the park or just about any place.

Fruity Caterpillar Painting

Skills:

• Fine Motor Skills: Demonstrate control of their body as they manipulate the painting materials using their hands
• Science Skills: Observe, explore, and experiment with various materials
• Verbal Communication Skills: An opportunity to talk about what they have created, and to comment on the fruit’s smell and taste.

What you will need:

• One Orange
• One Banana
• One Apple
• One Pear
• Popsicle Sticks and/or Forks
• A Knife (for adult use only)
• Construction Paper
• Washable Paint
• An Old Shirt (to keep from getting too messy)

What to do:

• Cut fruit in half being sure to leave the peel on the fruit to ensure easy handling
• Insert either a popsicle stick or a fork into the apple, pear and orange to make them easier for your child to grip
• Allow your child to examine and/or name the fruits you’ve provided. You may want to allow them to smell or taste fruit. If so be sure to keep half of the fruit to the side for this purpose.
• Using a piece of construction paper demonstrate dipping fruit in the paint and make a print on the paper.
• Encourage your child to dip one of the fruits into the paint and make a print on their paper for the caterpillar’s head.
• Next, encourage your child to choose a different fruit and color for the caterpillar’s body. You will again dip the fruit in paint and make prints on the paper.

Some children will simply want to experiment with making prints with the different objects, so don’t feel pressured to end up with a caterpillar painting. Just enjoy the experience of creating and experimenting with your child!