What You Need

• Paint brush
• Large cup, bowl, or bucket
• Water

How to Do this Activity

Using the brush and water, paint different outside surfaces, like the side of the house, a picket fence, or the driveway. Boost your child's critical thinking skills — see whether the “paint” changes the color of the surface. Test whether location and temperature make a difference (sunny vs. shady and warm vs. cool). If it’s a hot day, watch the marks get lighter and lighter as the water dries up.

What Your Child Learns

Through this activity, your child develops critical thinking, e.g., making observations, asking questions, noticing differences, and coming to conclusions. As you work together, your interactions build language and social-emotional development.