Let’s get creative and decorate a window this week!. Guess what? Writing on a vertical surface is a fantastic fine motor workout and helps with hand stability and wrist strength. You might choose a window in your child’s bedroom, a large front window in your living room, or even a whole glass door. It’s probably best to pick what your creative inspiration will be first (see below) and then choose a location that coordinates with it.
Materials:
- A window or glass door
- Materials for writing/coloring on glass (always read labels to ensure products are safe for glass and non-toxic for your child)
- Liquid chalk markers
- Window markers
- Washable markers
- Dry-erase markers
- Homemade glass paint: tempera paint mixed with a bit of dish soap (not detergent) If you’re going to use this option, don’t forget the paintbrushes and a sheet or drop cloth to catch the drips
- Glass spray and paper towels for clean-up
- Optional: If you don’t mind stickers on your window, you can add those to the mix for decorating as well. Soak with soapy water and scrape carefully with a razor blade for removal later.
What will your creation be? Here are some ideas, but don’t be limited by them. See where your child’s creativity takes them.
- Color an imaginary scene of what you’d like to see out the window. A farm? A cityscape? Dinosaurs and volcanoes? An underwater world? The moon, complete with aliens and spaceships?
- If you’re using large glass doors, how about a family portrait? Have each person stand against the door and trace their outline and then color in clothes, accessories, and funny faces.
- Color one window for each season, or divide a single window into four panes and color one corner for each season. Add snow drifts and icicles to one window and flower petals or falling leaves to another.
- Decorate the window with motifs for an upcoming holiday or birthday your family will observe.
Practice writing letters, numbers, or your child’s name. Sometimes window writing is the secret to enticing reluctant writers to participate. It feels like you’re getting away with something forbidden!
After choosing what you will be making and the materials you will use, get creative! Don’t worry if your child goes off-script. This is a great opportunity for your child to express their creativity, which doesn’t always follow the plan. They are getting some great fine-motor exercise and learning how much fun art can be.
Teaching moments:
One of the best parts of this project is how much children love to clean it up! And squeezing the spray bottle and wiping with the paper towels is fantastic fine and gross motor skills practice. Just don’t forget to supervise the use of cleaning products.