Easy Winter Salt Painting Art Activity for Kids
Making winter arts and crafts projects is one of our favorite activities when it’s too cold to go outside (or if the kids are just plain rowdy in the living room). This Winter Salt Painting Art Activity features snowflakes. Salt painting with kids gives a lesson in evaporation and ionic bonds, in addition to producing a pretty snowflake craft. Transform regular salt water into beautiful art for winter using the instructions outlined below. Kids will have a blast making their very own crystal snowflakes. This winter, try this fun salt painting activity that looks just like sparkling snowflakes! It’s half part art, half part science! And it is a fantastic addition to our salt painting art collection!
Recommended Grade Level:
Winter Salt Painting Process Art Supplies:
- Dark Cardstock/Construction Paper
- Salt
- Water
- Container
- Paintbrush
Learning Through Winter Salt Painting Activities
WINTER ART FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS
PROCESS ART REFERS TO FOCUSING MORE ON THE PROCESS OF CREATION RATHER THAN THE OUTCOME. PAINTING WITH SALT and WATERCOLORS FITS THIS CATEGORY NICELY.
I like to think of process art as almost a scientific exploration. With this watercolor winter salt painting exploration, kids are learning what happens when water and salt interact. They’re seeing the role evaporation plays in this winter art for preschoolers.
Winter process art can be messy, but it sure is cool. And since we love snow, it made this winter salt painting art project even more fun for us! If your kids aren’t into snow or you just want more fun themes to extend the activity, check out our collection of salt painting activities for kids to get some more inspiration!
Process art, like this snowflake salt painting, is highly beneficial for preschoolers as it emphasizes the creative journey rather than focusing solely on the end result. By encouraging children to explore and experiment with different materials, colors, and textures, process art nurtures their imaginations and self-expression. Check out this great article from NAEYC for more information about the benefits of process art.
This open-ended approach fosters problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities, all while boosting their confidence in making choices. Additionally, process art allows young learners to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they manipulate various tools during the artistic process.
Couple the salt and watercolor snowflake art activity with thought-provoking questions to make the most of the learning:
- Snowflakes are known for their unique and intricate patterns. How can you make your snowflake artwork special and different from others?
- What colors do you associate with winter? How can you use those colors creatively to represent the cold and snowy season in your art?
- Snowflakes often fall gently from the sky. How would you capture the feeling of falling snow in your artwork? What techniques could you use to show its softness and beauty?
What Can Toddlers and Preschoolers Learn While Making Winter Salt Painting Art?
WINTER ART FOR KIDS
PROCESS ART TEACHES A WEALTH OF SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS AND CONCEPTS THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO OTHER LEARNING.
The watercolor winter salt painting project also promotes emotional development by providing a safe outlet for expressing feelings and emotions through art. Ultimately, process art empowers preschoolers to appreciate their individuality, fostering a love for learning and creativity that will benefit them throughout their lives.
- Creativity
- Fine Motor
- Problem-Solving
- Self-Expression
Why Is It Important For Kids To Create Process Art?
Exploring winter crafts for preschool and process art, like winter salt painting, raised salt painting, cotton ball painting, or other winter crafts, offers a lot of benefits for kids, not to mention it’s fun!
Creativity: Process art encourages children to explore and experiment, fostering their imaginative thinking and creative expression.
Fine Motor: Engaging with various art materials and tools helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills in young learners.
Self-Confidence: The open-ended nature of process art empowers kids to make their own decisions, building their self-confidence and sense of accomplishment.
Social-Emotional: Process art provides a safe space for children to express their feelings and emotions, promoting emotional intelligence and well-being.
How to Make the Winter Salt Painting Snowflakes
Step 1:
Outline the shape of a snowflake onto the paper with glue. Make sure not to create large globs of glue since thin lines are better for salt art.
Ninja Teacher Tip: This is a great opportunity to teach kids about the similarities and differences between snowflakes. I love using videos, like this one from SciShow Kids to teach kids all about snowflakes.
Step 2:
While the glue is still wet, sprinkle salt over the entire page, focusing on the glue. You will want to get as much salt stuck to the glue as possible. While a ‘dab of glue…’ may be enough, this is not the time to be stingy with the salt.
Step 3:
Shake off the excess salt into a tray so that it can be reused on other salt painting artwork. No waste necessary! Then, wait for the glue to dry. Waiting can be hard, but it will make the salt painting art project less messy since the paintbrushes won’t get covered in glue.
Once your kids are finished exploring the winter salt painting theme, try out some of our other themes!
- Apple Theme Salt Painting for Kids
- Spring Butterfly Salt Painting
- Fall Tree Salt Painting Activity for Kids
Step 4:
Use the watercolors to add color to your winter salt paint art project. Dip the wet paintbrush onto the lines of glue and salt and watch the colors spread.
Step 5:
Wait for the salt painting snowflakes to dry thoroughly before taking them home to prevent paint messes.
Extend the Activity:
Adapt the activity: by testing the difference between liquid and solid watercolors or food coloring with the salt water to make colorful salt painted snowflakes on a lighter background.
Talk About It: This winter craft for toddlers and preschoolers is so engaging that it’s an obvious conversation starter. Talk with your child about the snowflakes, snow, the SW sea salt project, etc.
Go Beyond Snowflakes: Take this salt art idea in a different direction by creating other shapes or objects like a winter tree. You can even practice numbers and letters with salt art!
Check out our 10+ Salt Painting Activities for Kids for more great ideas!
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More Winter Art Activities Kids Will Love:
- Winter Snow Painting Process Art
- Melting Ice Suncatchers
- Snowflake Fork Painting Art Project
- Sense of Touch Snowman Collage
Free Printable Winter Activities for Kids:
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