Monthly contributor post shared by Kristen at Celebrate Every Day with Me.

When I started out with this Fall Relief Painting Project, I had no idea that I would be reinforcing and teaching manners through art. But what a great opportunity it turned out to be!

With a quick and inexpensive run to the store, you can not only create Fall masterpieces, but capitalize on the teachable moments between your children or you and your child alone.

Here is what you’ll need:

• Canvases (I bought a 10 pack at Wal-Mart for less than $1.25 each – future fun!)
• Assorted Paints for 59-79 cents each
• Cheap Paint Brushes
• Painters’ Tape
• Plates (I used leftover plates from a recent party)

Once we had gathered everything, I gave the kids assorted lengths of painters’ tape to create whatever they wanted. My son said he was making a Fall hourglass . . . as if he’s counting down the days until snow. Yikes!

Then we began painting and teaching manners!

* We worked on asking politely for a plate to be passed, being sure to use ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’

* We worked on sharing and taking turns. There were several times when the kids wanted to use the same color at the same time. We practiced being patient and taking turns.

* We worked on being encouragers. We spoke kind words, building up each other in the good job we were doing.

And while I hoped this would stay a ‘relief’ piece of art, the kids found it more fun to paint again after we peeled off the tape. So this mama worked on patience, letting go of intentions and going with the flow.

After all, if beauty is in the eye of the beholder . . . creativity is in the heart of the artist. And a creative child is fun!

 

 

Kristen of Celebrate Every Day With Me is a fun-loving mom to two kids who keep her busy and laughing. Add her great husband and the Lord to the mix and her life is one fantastic (and sometimes crazy) adventure. She is a former youth leader, professional wedding and event planner and has a degree in Christian Thought/Christian Ministry. She loves long lists, diet soda and playing jokes on her husband.Kristen is the author of Teach Me To Serve:  99 Ways Preschoolers Can Learn To Serve & Bless Others.  On her blog, you’ll find fun ideas for children’s activities, creating memorable moments and party planning.