MSU Extension Child & Family Development

Infant and Toddler Activity Pages

Gelatin Finger Painting

Materials

• 1 box of gelatin (any color/flavor)
• Small Pot (for boiling water)
• Measuring Cup
• Spoon or spatula
• 1 Small Mixing Bowl
•  Paper

Area of School Readiness

Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development: According to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, perceptual, motor, and physical development includes motor development and health, safety and nutrition. This includes gross motor or large motor skills (like jumping, running, climbing) as well as fine motor or small muscle skills (like holding a fork or buttoning a coat). Health, safety, and nutrition includes skills for self-care (like brushing teeth), knowledge promoting healthy eating habits, and personal safety routines.

Cognition: According to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center cognition is your child’s ability to reason, use their memory, engage in problem solving and thinking skills that help children learn about and understand the world around them.  

Purpose of the Activity

Gross Motor and Fine Motor Skills: Your child will practice using the muscles in their arms and hands as they explore and paint with the gelatin.

Exploration and Discovery: Your child will explore the gelatin as they play and paint.

Instructions

1. Pour gelatin into small bowl.
2. Bring water to a boil.
3. Add boiling water to small mixing bowl with the gelatin.
4. Mix the gelatin and boiling water with a spoon or spatula and stir until the mixture is this
5. Allow the mixture to cool (either leave it set out on counter or place in refrigerator).Put some gelatin on a piece of paper/cardboard and allow your child to explore and make a creation by using the gelatin as you would finger paint

Note: this mixture may cause stains, like other finger paints.