Inclusive Resource on Sensorimotor Child Development for Parents and Teachers

Sponge-Stencil Art

January 22, 2014 Leave a Comment Written by Jill Mays

I love when I find an activity that works for all ages.  With the right amount of help even the littlest hands can manage this simple project.  It is easy to do and materials are inexpensive.

Benefits:

  • The sponge should be held between the thumb, pointer and middle fingers.  This strengthens the muscles used for a correct pencil grasp, which helps with eventual writing.
  • The child needs to hold the paper steady.  This helps develop bilateral reciprocal ability.
  •  Dabbing the paper requires guidance from the eyes.  This helps foster eye hand skills.
  •  For the older child using the stencil, visual attention is necessary.

 Directions:

1.  Cut out 1” square pieces  of sponge (1 per color)

2.   Make a palette with discarded cardboard to dip the sponge in the paint.

3.   Tape a home made stencil* or craft store-bought stencil securely to a piece of paper

4.   Dip pre-moistened sponge in the paint and dab onto the paper in designated area.
5.  For younger children (1-3), simply tape paper to a flat surface and let them dab holiday colors on the paper for an interesting design.

 Special Considerations:

*Making your own stencil: Draw a simple shape or picture on cardboard and cut out.

 

 

 

Activities, Bilateral Coordination, Drawing & Art, Eye-Hand Coordination, Fine Motor Dexterity, Hand Strength, Pre-writing & Writing, Touch, Visual Attention & Visual Perception, Visual Motor Skills
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