SYNOPSIS: Snuffles finds a tin of paint in his party box. Snuffles thinks it could be a shampoo for washing his fur. Buddy finds a paintbrush in her party box. Buddy thinks it might be a small spikey animal. Meanwhile Tippy is in her room playing with a ball that keeps disappearing.

1) EXPLORING YOUR BODY      "water paint"
Give your child a paintbrush (or a toothbrush) and a bowl of water and watch them paint. They can paint the grass, the driveway, the house, and even the windows.
This is a great way for children to develop their arm muscles and also their imagination. Expressing themselves creatively is highly satisfying and they may want to 'paint' in this manner most days!

2) EXPLORING YOUR MIND      "new colours"
Pour different coloured paints (or food colouring mixed with water) into containers and finger paint with your child. Start with the primary colours; red, yellow and blue, and mix them to find the secondary colours orange, green and purple. For a child who is familiar with the different colours, talk about different shades of the same colours and provide your child with the words to describe them (words such as 'pale' 'bright' 'light' and 'dark').
Learning the names of different colours takes a lot of practice. Use every opportunity to point out colours to your child and use exercises like this one to build their knowledge base.

3) EXPLORING YOUR SELF
Massage is a great way to bond with your child. It increases their awareness of their own body, releases tension and assists relaxation. If you recite the part of the body you are massaging, your child will learn the words.
For more information about baby and toddler massage contact your local Plunket centre or go to: www.plunket.org.nz


Party Animals Parent Teacher Activities created by Elizabeth Donnelly.
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