With increased use of laminate pouches in early years settings, these resources are becoming readily available. They are an excellent way of displaying children's creative work and encouraging exploration of the effects of light and colour.
Planned learning intentions
To further explore an experience using a range of senses
To explore what happens when they mix colours
To begin to describe the texture of things
You will need:
Laminate pouches; various ready-mix paints; plastic dispensers; sticky tape Step by step
* Open up a laminate pouch and demonstrate how to squeeze a blob of paint on the inside surface of the pouch. Do this with one or two different colours, keeping the blobs close to one another and away from the edge of the pouch. Press the two sides of the pouch together gently so the paint spreads and mixes whenever the edges of the blobs meet.
* Encourage discussion about the feel of the pouch as the paint slides around underneath and talk about how the colours change as they mix.
* It is not essential to laminate the pouches, but doing so will create a more reflective result. Tape children's finished pouches on to a windowpane that catches a lot of sunshine.
* Think of words to describe the effect of light shining through the colours. Notice any coloured shadows falling.
Activities
* Arrange flat shiny items, such as sequins, stars and glitter, on the paint blobs to create additional effects involving light and colour.
* Create 'sensory' pouches for babies and toddlers using polypockets. Put a few blobs of coloured paint and some cooking oil into the pocket and tape it securely across the top so the contents cannot escape. Place the pocket on a flat surface so babies can enjoy pressing the surface and watching the contents slide around. Chill the paint and cooking oil first for added sensory enjoyment.
Thanks to Kristy McCartney, Little Feet Day Nursery, Maidenlaw, for suggestions