Make Fingerprint Art and Boost Those Writing Skills!

Everyone's fingerprint is unique. In this activity, your child will make a one of a kind work of art from one of a kind fingerprint. Each whirl and swirl adds dimension and character to the shapes and pictures you can create from a digit's print. This activity utilizes fine motor coordination needed to help your child master writing and it's loads of fun!

What You Need:

• White paper
• Ink pads – a couple of colors if you can afford it
• Markers or crayons

1. Have your child roll her fingertip or thumb onto the ink pad to cover it with ink. Don't be afraid to get in there and get your hands dirty along with your child!
2. Help your child gently press her finger onto the paper. She can experiment with different fingers. Try putting several fingerprints together and make an inch worm. Turn some sideways to make a fish. She can even build a person out of fingerprints!
3. Set your paper aside to dry and make sure you wash your hands.
4. Now invite your child to use markers or crayons to create faces and other details for the fingerprints. She can add hair to the faces, antennae to her bugs or fins to the fish. Let your imagination go!

Did You Know?

Fingerprints are made by ridges on the surface of our fingers. Since the late nineteenth century fingerprints have been used for identification. This activity gives you the opportunity to introduce your child to the subject of having her fingerprints recorded for her safety. Some birth certificates have a baby's foot print for the same reason. What does your child's fingerprint look like?