The hand print flower is a simple art activity that can created with tempera paint, construction paper, and a child's hand. This activity plan is designed to help boost development in multiple areas, and can be adapted to fit the child's specific age. Additionally, encourage the child to create multiple flower images using different parts of the hand (i.e., the side, one finger, the finger tips).
Hand Print Flower Objectives
- Increase fine motor development.
- Increase aesthetic awareness.
- Build color recognition skills.
- Develop body part awareness (hands, fingers).
- Explore art processes and materials.
- Build art vocabulary (print, color, line)
- Create a unique artwork for a special person.
Grade/ Age Level
This activity works well with children three and up. Children as young as two can create the hand print flower, but will need much more adult guidance.
Materials Needed to Create the Hand Print Flower
- Construction paper (white or a light color)
- Tempera paint (assortment of colors, plus green)
- A child's hand
Steps to Create the Hand Print Flower
- Either place the tempera paint in puddles on a washable work surface (such as a plastic tray), or paint the child's hand.
- Ask the child to press the painted hand onto the paper (near the top). Repeat at varying angles. This will be the flower bloom.
- Have the child paint one finger tip with the green tempera paint. This can also be done by dipping the finger into the paint.
- The child should now create the stem (and leaves) of the flower by pressing the painted finger onto the construction paper many times in a line.
Hand Print Flower Activity Conclusion
After the flower print has dried ask the child to discuss what he or she made. Starter questions may include:
- What is a print?
- How did you make a print?
- What body part did you use to create your artwork?
- What was your favorite color that you used?
- Who are you giving this special project to?
Hand Print Flower Activity Extensions
- More hand print flowers: Ask the child to create many hand print flowers. Encourage the use of different hand angles or different parts of the hand. For example, ask the child to turn his hand on the side when printing.
- Foot print sunflowers: Using the same art process, have the child create a large sunflower print with a painted foot.
- Nature: Go outdoors and look at flowers in nature for inspiration.
- Rainy flowers: Once the paint has dried lightly brush the entire artwork with a clear drying glue. Sprinkle silver or blue glitter on top if the glue to look like rain.
Bring the beauty of nature into the young child's world. Using the hand print flower activity, preschool aged children can create amazing art for a very special person.
