Mixing primary colors to create intermediate colors is an art concept young children enjoy and understand easily. Using footprints to teach this concept makes the experience interactive and memorable. Prepare shallow pans with tempera paint of the three primary colors red, yellow and blue. Dip the child's foot in one of the primary colors and press it onto the left side of a large piece of white construction paper. Clean the foot and dip it in another primary color. Press the foot onto the paper next to the first footprint, leaving a small amount of space. Using a black marker, draw an addition sign between the two primary footprints and an equals sign after. Discuss with the child what color would result if the two primary colors were mixed. Pour the two pans of paint together and allow the child to mix. When the intermediate color appears, help the child dip both feet into the new color and press both feet onto the paper after the equals sign. Continue with other color combinations.
For a creative Christmas decoration, make a reindeer using both a child's foot and hands. Dip the child's foot in a shallow pan of brown tempera paint. Press the footprint onto a piece of construction paper. With the footprint facing forward, help the child glue on two plastic wiggly eyes in the center and a large red pom-pom at the heel for a nose. Dip the child's hands into yellow tempera paint and press them onto the top of the footprint for antlers. If desired, sprinkle the wet paint with glitter.
Here's a fun way to use children's footprints to create sentimental wrapping paper. This would be a perfect addition to a present for grandparents or other family members. Lay a very large piece of butcher paper down on an outside piece of concrete. If desired, first cover the concrete with a tarp. Squirt various colors of tempera paint on paper plates and have the children step on them. Allow children to then stomp their multi-colored footprints all over the paper. Try incorporating the primary color mixing activity with this art project as well. Allow the new wrapping paper to dry thoroughly before cutting into manageable pieces and storing.
When spring arrives, try this simple and lively project. Choose a bright color of tempera paint, such as blue, yellow or pink, for the footprints, as they will be the butterfly's wings. Help the child dip one foot into the paint and then use a paintbrush to fill in any blank areas on the bottom of her foot. Firmly press the foot onto a piece of white construction paper. Repeat with the second foot, pressing it onto a separate piece of construction paper. After allowing both footprints to dry, carefully cut them out. While the footprints are drying, help the child paint a butterfly body on a final piece of construction paper using white glue and a small paintbrush. Cover the glue with glitter, shake off the excess glitter, and allow to dry. Complete the butterfly by gluing the footprint wings next to the body. If desired, encourage the child to add details and patterns to the wings using a small paintbrush and additional tempera paint.