As spring turns into summer, wild and garden flowers are abundant. Invite children to explore familiar and un'sual flowers and to comment on how they look, feel and smell, before creating their own flower prints. Try these print-making ideas and invite children to think of their own.
Organisation
Have two rectangular tables adjacent. Stand a vase of seasonal flowers to stimulate interest in the centre of one table, along with a choice of strong paper and card in various colours. Display the printing objects on the other table next to a tray of coloured paint. Introduce additional colour options with more able children who can wash objects when they wish to change colours. Make sure items are thoroughly washed before 'se.
Everyday objects
* Roll up a length of corrugated paper, hold the roll tightly and dip the end into paint. Press it on to paper to print a spiral pattern.
* Hold the handle of a sponge dish mop, twirl it in paint and press the sponge sideways on to the paper.
* Screw up a dishcloth or round sponge, press it into paint and then on to paper.
* Create lacy prints from pan scrubs.
* Glue paper cake cases on card and print on to these to create 3D flowers.
* Drop food colouring or thin watery paint on to coffee filters to create flowers with unusual patterns.
* Turn cups upside down and dip into paint to print circular outlines for larger flowers. Print petals by dipping the bowl of a spoon into paint and rolling the back on to the paper around the circle. Glue real sunflower seeds into the centre for a 3D effect.
Edible prints
* Experiment with different fruit and vegetable prints. Cut a green pepper, sprout or corn cob in half and dip it into paint.
* Try printing with circular pasta shapes, such as wheels and shells. Print several together to form the petals of a larger flower.
* Finish off the flowers by printing stalks using pencils or straws.
