This week in our preschool classroom, our two-year-olds dove into one of the most meaningful (and joyful) early childhood activities: finger painting, as they created their very own “pumpkin pie” art. While it may look like simple messy fun, finger painting is actually an essential part of learning and development at this age. Toddlers make sense of the world through their senses, and finger painting provides a rich sensory experience. The cool, smooth texture of the paint, the motion of spreading it, and the freedom to explore all support healthy brain development. These sensory moments help children form connections, build understanding, and gain confidence through hands-on learning.
Finger painting also supports important fine motor development. When children dip their fingers into paint, swirl it around, or make small tapping motions, they are strengthening the muscles in their hands and fingers, muscles they will later use for writing, dressing themselves, and manipulating small objects. It is also a wonderful way to encourage creativity and self-expression. At two years old, children may not always have the words to explain what they are thinking or feeling, but through art they can explore colors, shapes, and movement in their own unique way. Best of all, finger painting is open-ended, with no right or wrong approach, which helps build independence and confidence.
Our pumpkin pie project brought all of this learning to life. The children loved swirling orange paint onto their “pie plates,” experimenting with big circles, tiny dots, and everything in between. Some used whole-hand motions, while others delicately dipped one finger at a time. After creating their “pumpkin filling,” they added a fluffy cotton-ball whipped cream topping, which provided another fun fine motor challenge. Each pie turned out beautifully, and it was wonderful to see how differently each child interpreted the same materials.
Activities like this remind us how powerful simple experiences can be for young learners. A bit of paint, a little mess, and a whole lot of exploration can spark creativity, strengthen developing skills, and bring joy to the classroom. We are so proud of our little artists and excited to share their festive fall creations with families.
