Nursery World - Enabling environments: Around the nursery

Think about what children can learn from using paint through the way your setting's provision is organised and what experiences are offered to them, says Jane Drake.

Paint is an exciting medium that can be applied to various surfaces, through which children can actively explore learning across a number of areas.

SETTINGS
Settings should aim to provide:
- table
- easel with attached storage tray
- self-coloured, washable table cover if required
- washable aprons
- water pots (wide base)
- containers for powder paint
- spatulas
- mixing palettes; small shallow trays
- drying rack
- paint: powder paints, ready-mixed paints, water colour blocks
- paper: various textures, weights (including card), colours and sizes
- bristle and foam brushes (assorted sizes)
- rollers (foam, fabric, textured)
- found objects for mark-making/printing - for example, forks, combs,
nail brushes, bobbins

EXPERIENCES

In this area, children might enjoy:

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included