California’s parenting website

• Child-safe paint

• Paintbrush

• Rocks

1. Collect rocks on a walk. Find rocks of all different shapes and sizes.

2. Set up a space where things can get messy. Outside may be best.

3. Give your child small amounts of paint, a paintbrush, and a cup of water.

4. Let your child paint the rocks however his imagination wants!

Don’t forget to join in on the fun and paint with your child. Describe the colors, textures, and movement during the activity.

For a preschooler, encourage your child to paint shapes and letters on the rocks too!