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Cotton Candy Puffy Paint

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed
Activity:  
Cotton Candy Puffy Paint
Age Group:
Toddlers
* Lesson plan objectives and assessments can be adapted to use this activity with toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children. 
Cotton Candy Puffy Paint
Cotton Candy Puffy Paint
Objectives:  
  • Child will express themselves through painting
  • Child will increase sensory motor skill
  • Child will practice proper hand washing technique
CDA Competency Standard:   
II.7.4b
  • Candidate promotes individual expression and creativity
b) Facilitates child-directed and process-oriented creative experiences
Online Courses
Early Literacy 
(1 hour / .1 CEU)
Tuition: $10.50 

Stages of Physical Growth and Development in Toddlers 
(1 hour / .1 CEU)
Tuition: $10.50
Materials: 
  • Flour
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • microwave
  • paper
  • large bowl
  • food coloring
  • water 
Procedure: 
Prepare for the activity by making the puffy paint. Mix together 1 cup flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, one teaspoon salt, and a few drops of desired food coloring. Mix in water until you get the desired consistency. Repeat this process for all the colors you wish to use. Place the paint and paper in an appropriate area for creating (you may want to consider putting a shower curtain down for easy cleanup). Invite the child to join you in painting. 

**Even though the paint is edible, try to discourage child from eating the paint. 

As they are painting, talk with them about the different sensations they are experiencing. Be sure to introduce new adjectives to describe the paint. When they are done painting, practice hand washing skills with the child. Place the artwork in the microwave for about 30 seconds to dry the paint. You can then cut out their work into the shape of actual cotton candy. Cut a cone shape out of a white piece of paper, write the name of the child and date, and glue it to their artwork. 
Assessment: 
  • Observe and record the child’s reaction to the new texture. Be sure to take pictures during the activity for the child’s portfolio. 
Click on the photos to enlarge.

Invitations for Learning 

Picture
Invitations provide an appealing way to present an opportunity for children to explore materials. A teacher usually plans an invitation in response to children’s interests or to extend previous learning. An ‘invitation to learning’ may also be prepared to introduce new concepts, words or skills. A teacher may want to use an invitation to introduce a new book by combining it with related materials.

Infant invitations may include:
  • A water table with warm water and some sink/float materials
  • A large box to climb in and out of
  • A blanket on the floor with materials hanging above it so babies can touch and move them
  • Blocks with various textures
  • Balls of various sizes and textures

Toddler invitations may include:
  • Balls and clear tubing
  • Pussy willows, pine cones and cattails
  • Water table with some clear containers to pour and scoop with
  • Selection of blocks and a book with pictures of buildings
  • Rubber boots and a puddle
  • Clear flexible tubing and funnels attached to the fence

A caution when providing invitations for very young children is that they learn through oral experiences by putting objects in their mouth. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that children are carefully supervised and that materials are nontoxic and are not choking hazards. In addition, care should always be taken when children are in near water.