Imagine & explore

Mix two paint colours

Mix two small amounts of washable paint and explore the changing colour with broad marks rather than aiming for a finished picture.

10 minutes

What you'll need

Two washable non-toxic age-labelled paints · Large paper · Two broad brushes · Washable tray or palette · Protective smock

Before you start

Child can choose between simple materials or pretend ideas in their preferred way

Best fit: indoors · medium energy · medium caregiver effort · high mess

How to play

  1. Set out a small amount of each paint on a protected surface.
  2. Make one mark with each colour, then mix a little in the centre.
  3. Let the child vary proportions, name what they notice and stop when finished.
Make it easier

Start with one colour, one broad brush and a small amount of paint while the caregiver steadies the tray.

Standard

Mix two small amounts of washable paint and explore the changing colour with broad marks rather than aiming for a finished picture.

Extend it

Make a simple prediction before adding more of one colour and compare the result.

What you might notice

Notice how the child experiments with amount, order and marks without needing a correct colour name.

Keep it safe

Use washable, non-toxic, age-labelled paint under direct supervision on a protected surface. Prevent tasting or face painting, clean spills promptly, and wash hands after play.

Why it may be useful

There is no single right result here—the value is in exploring, pretending and sharing the moment.

moderate

Outcomes depend on context and the child's interest; sensory preferences vary widely.

Weisberg, Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff (2016) — Guided Play: Principles and Practices

Quinn et al. (2020) — Pretend Play and Early Language Development—Relationships and Impacts: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Lillard et al. (2013) — The impact of pretend play on children's development: A review of the evidence

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

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