Symmetry Painting

• Symmetry painting teaches toddlers about symmetry; how the picture can be mirrored by printing it on the opposite side of the paper. Symmetry painting is done by folding a sheet of paper in half, with one half folded away behind the other. Have the toddler use acrylic or watercolor paints to paint one half of the butterfly, with the butterfly's body running along the fold and the wing stretching out across the paper. Open the paper to reveal the blank side. While the paint is still wet, fold the paper in half, enclosing the butterfly. When the paper is opened up again, the toddler is delighted to see a whole butterfly.
  
  

Finger and Hand Painting

• Toddlers love to dunk their hands in paint and get messy. Acrylic or watercolor paints are suitable for this option. Have the toddler dip his finger into wet paint and press it onto paper. The toddler can use his forefinger to create a whole picture, such as a tree. A finger is especially good for dabbing on green leaves. Paint the palm of the toddler's hand and show him how to press it on the paper. A painted hand easily makes a pair reindeer antlers. Hand painting is a good record of your toddler's hand size; write his name and age on the back of the paper and enjoy looking at it in years to come.
  
  

String Painting

• Dip a piece of string or yarn into acrylic paint and lay it on a piece of paper in a pattern, such as a swirl or a shape. Lift off the string to reveal the painted pattern. For variation, drag the string across the paper. Use string that is not waterproof or made of plastic.
  
  

Sponge Painting

• Art sponges can be purchased for children from art shops and toy stores. You can even tear up an old bath sponge. Dip the sponge into acrylic paint and dab it onto the paper. Different colors and shapes can be made with different sponges.
  
  

Texture with Tools and Etching

• Cover a piece of paper with acrylic paint. Before it is allowed to dry, have the toddler scratch a pattern on it with his fingernails or a tool, such as a stick or comb. Look around the house or classroom for tools to use. Create a mottled effect by dabbing a sponge on the paper.
  
  

Blow Painting

• Place a blob of watercolor paint on paper. Show the toddler how to blow through a straw at the blob, causing it to travel in different directions. Adult supervision is important because the toddler is putting the straw into her mouth.