Paint a Mural

What You Need:

• Large piece of butcher or white wrapping paper
• Pencil
• Markers
• Tempera paint (make sure it's non-toxic and washable)
• Paint brushes
• Tape

What You Do:

1. Help your child decide on a theme: dinosaurs, outer space, the beach, or something else of his choosing. Once he has a topic, help him research it. Try searching for educational material on websites or at the library. Thumb through nonfiction picture books filled with vibrant photographs or illustrations, or even visit a local science or natural history museum.
2. Spread the paper on a large floor space. Invite him to draw a basic outline of the scene with pencils or markers. Have him draw the ground first so he knows which direction the mural goes.
3. Once he finishes sketching the scene, it's time to start painting. Since painting can get very messy, make sure your workspace is covered with newspaper or a drop cloth and your child is wearing a smock or play clothes. Encourage him to paint one section at a time, and allow drying time in between.
4. After the paint has dried completely, tape the mural up on a wall. Move the mural as desired from indoor spaces to outdoor walls.
5. Enjoy your new public art project!

This activity can be expanded to fit any theme. Ask your child to think of new and unique scenery to draw on the mural. Alternatively, try a more abstract mural creation. Explore shapes, patterns, colors, and lines as they mix together to form an interesting image.