How to Paint With Fingers

20th century educator Ruth Faison Shaw introduced her students to finger painting in the 1920s and it has become an especially popular activity among young children. It helps develop fine motor skills before a child has the ability to hold a paint brush -- it can also be used as fun physical therapy for adults who cannot paint with a brush. Because it requires little creative ability and is relatively inexpensive, finger painting also works well as a group activity.

Things You'll Need

• Washable finger paint
• Paper, canvas or fabric
• Paper plate

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Arrange the area where you or your child will be painting. Remove any valuable items. Set up the canvas or other painting medium.

   • 2

     Clean your child's hands and dry them.

   • 3

     Pour or spoon the paints onto one or more paper plates. Mix the paints, if desired.

   • 4

     Dip fingers into the paint and spread onto the canvas, paper or fabric.