Summer is here, and along with it comes the scorching heat that has kids seeking creative ways to stay entertained and cool. If you’re on the lookout for a fun and refreshing activity, why not try painting with ice? Not only is it a sensory-rich craft that engages children of all ages, but it also offers a host of benefits, particularly for those with autism or receiving ABA therapy and autism behavior support services.
What You Need:
- 1 cup of water
- Red, yellow, green, and blue food coloring
- Short popsicle sticks
- Ice cube tray
10 Easy Steps:
- Pour and Prepare: Start by evenly pouring water into your ice cube tray.
- Color Creation: Add a tiny drop of red food coloring to four different cubes and mix well. Repeat this step with yellow, blue, and green food coloring to create a colorful palette.
- Insert Popsicle Sticks: Place a short popsicle stick into each ice cube mold, ensuring they are centered.
- Freeze Time: Allow the ice cubes to freeze for approximately 4 to 6 hours or overnight, depending on your freezer’s temperature.
- Pop and Release: Once frozen solid, gently pull on the sticks to remove the colorful ice cubes from the tray.
- Prepare the Canvas: Lay down old newspaper on the table to protect the surface from potential messes.
- Unleash Creativity: Hold the wooden sticks and use the frozen colored cubes to paint on the paper.
- Explore and Experiment: Watch as the ice cubes melt, creating a unique watercolor effect on the paper. Encourage children to experiment with different strokes and techniques.
Benefits for Autism and ABA Therapy:
- Sensory Stimulation: Painting with ice engages multiple senses, providing valuable sensory input for children with autism.
- Fine Motor Skills: Holding the popsicle sticks and maneuvering the melting ice cubes helps to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Visual Stimulation: The vibrant colors and swirling patterns created by the melting ice cubes offer visual stimulation and encourage exploration.
- Calming Effect: The cool sensation of the ice can have a calming effect, making it a soothing activity for children who may experience sensory overload.
Incorporating painting with ice into your summer activities not only provides a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat but also offers numerous benefits for children with autism who may be in ABA therapy. So grab your supplies, unleash your creativity, and dive into this cool sensory adventure!
If you’re interested in learning more about how ABA therapy can benefit your child, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you on this journey. Give us a call at (855) 444-5664 to get started!
Visit our Blog page for more sensory painting techniques and crafts like Milk Painting, and Chalk Art.
