Painting Palettes
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For a complex lesson in impermanence, watch a Tibetan monk sweep away an intricate sand mandala that he's been creating for days. Or, for an experience that's a little closer to home, have your toddler try one of the fleeting, no-mess projects below. Like a mandala, they're here one minute, gone the next.
What you'll need
- Chalkboard
- Paintbrush
- Dark and colored construction paper
- Ice or ice in ice pop mold
How to make it
Blackboard Masterpiece You can skip the chalk and eraser for this instant chalkboard activity. All your child needs is a paintbrush and a cup of water to create dark swirls in the residual chalk dust.
More Water Painting Give her that same paintbrush and water, then let her create a temporary work of art on dark construction paper. Or head outside and have her paint on the sidewalk.
Ephemeral Ice Drawing Here's a very cool project for a hot day. Supply your child with several sheets of colored paper and an ice cube to draw with. As the ice cube melts, it will create a trail of dark marks that fade as they dry and then -- poof! -- disappear completely. For an easy-to-hold twist, you can make the ice in a plastic ice pop mold with a handle.
