Potato Printing
Making potato print wrapping paper to reinforce shapes
Month 5 · Activity 18 · Art
Instructions
- Together use craft paper or cut open a brown paper bag to use as wrapping paper decorated with potato prints
- Cut a baking potato in half
- Draw with a pencil the outline of the shape you want to create - rectangle on one half and circle on other half
- Adult cuts away potato, 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep around the shape outline
- Blot the cut potato on paper towel to remove moisture
- Place washable orange paint in a tray and dip potato into the paint
- Press the potato stamp onto the paper
- Child can use rectangle and circle potato prints to cover paper
Simplify
Make just one shape on the potato for child to use and reinforce that they are making "circles" (or rectangles) on the paper.
Extend
Give child oral directions stating how to use the potato stamps. For example, place 3 circles in a row, make a pattern of 2 rectangles and 1 circle, etc.
Once the paint is dry, find a toy that your child can give to another friend, neighbor, or family member and let them wrap in the paper they decorated.
QUESTIONS FOR CHILD
When you receive a gift, do you like the present wrapped or unwrapped, and why?
If you drew a picture of what you are thinking right now, what would that picture look like?
Materials
- brown paper bag/craft paper
- baking potato
- knife
- scissors
- pencil
- paper towels
- orange paint
Math & Science Skills
Motor Skills
Problem Solving Skills