Pebble painting for kids

Choosing and collecting stones

Pick stones that are smooth, clean and dry, and at least as big as your child's fist. Anything smaller can end up in a mouth, so skip small pebbles completely. Collect only loose stones already lying on the ground in a safe place, and ask permission first. Leave stones alone in protected spots, and on any beach or path where a sign asks visitors not to take them. Rules differ from place to place, so when in doubt, leave it and buy stones from a craft or garden shop instead. At home, a grown-up washes each stone with soap and water, scrubs off any mud and lets it dry fully before painting.

Safety first

These activities are never for children under three, and a grown-up stays with the painters the whole time. Painted stones are not toys to put in the mouth, so do not let anyone suck, lick or chew them. Use washable, non-toxic paint made for children. Cover the table with newspaper and wear an old shirt. Stones are heavy and hard, so they are for painting, sorting and setting down gently, and never for throwing. Wash hands with soap after painting and after handling stones. Varnish or sealant is a job for an adult only, in a well-aired place, or skip it entirely.

1. Dot patterns

Age hint: 3 and up.

Bring: one dry stone that is fist-sized or bigger, washable paint in two or three colours, and cotton buds or the blunt end of a pencil.

1. Paint the whole stone in one calm colour and let it dry.
2. Dip a cotton bud in a second colour and press one dot.
3. Make a ring of dots, or rows, or a spiral that grows from the middle.
4. Add a third colour between the dots once the first ones are dry.

Notice: Which pattern repeats, and what comes next in it?

2. Story stones

Age hint: 4 and up.

Bring: six fairly flat stones, each fist-sized or bigger, washable paint, a fine brush and a cloth bag or bowl.

1. Think of a tiny story with six parts, such as a seed, rain, a sprout, a bee, a flower and a basket.
2. Paint one simple picture on each stone, and let them dry.
3. Put the stones in the bag, pick one without looking and start a story with it.
4. Pick the next stone and add a sentence, so the pictures link into a chain.

Notice: What changes in the story if you pull the stones out in a different order? For more starting points, try the story writing prompts.

3. Pebble face family

Age hint: 3 and up.

Bring: three or four stones of different sizes, all fist-sized or bigger, washable paint and a thin brush.

1. Choose one stone for each family member and paint a background colour on each.
2. When dry, add eyes, a nose and a mouth. A tiny change in the mouth makes a new feeling.
3. Give each pebble a name and a favourite thing.
4. Line them up on a shelf or windowsill, and keep them there rather than in a pocket.

Notice: How can you tell how each pebble feels just from its face?

4. Counting set, 1 to 10

Age hint: 4 and up, with a grown-up who watches throughout.

Bring: ten fist-sized or bigger stones, washable paint and a fine brush for the numbers.

1. Paint the numbers 1 to 10, one on each stone, and add that many dots underneath.
2. Once dry, mix the stones up on the table.
3. Put them in order from smallest to biggest number, touching each dot as you count.
4. Try skipping every other stone, or lining them up backwards.

Notice: Which numbers are easy to tell apart, and which look alike? More ideas are in the counting games.

5. Stepping-marker path

Age hint: 4 and up.

Bring: six to eight painted stones, each fist-sized or bigger, and a long sheet of paper or the back of old wrapping paper, laid flat on a table.

1. Draw a winding path on the paper with a start and a finish.
2. Paint each stone a different colour or pattern, and let them dry.
3. Place the stones on the path as markers, one at each turn. The stones stay on the paper and on the table, and nobody stands or steps on them.
4. Walk a small toy or your finger along the path, and say one thing to do at each marker, such as hop, clap or hum.

Notice: Where would you add another marker, and why there?

6. Secret water picture

Age hint: 3 and up.

Bring: a dry, dark, unpainted stone with a matt surface that is fist-sized or bigger, a small cup of water, a soft brush and a tray.

1. Set the stone on a tray or a folded towel.
2. Paint a simple shape on it with plain water, such as a sun, a leaf or a star.
3. Watch the damp shape turn a shade darker and shinier than the dry stone, then slowly fade as it dries. It shows best in bright light.
4. Dry the stone and paint a new picture. No colour is needed.

Notice: How long does your picture last, and what makes it disappear? A related idea is in the water play activities.

More to do on Rangooo

Mix your own shades with colour mixing activities, draw first with easy drawing ideas, make something new with recycled crafts for kids, take a walk with nature walk activities, fill a wet afternoon with rainy day activities, browse more stories and activities, or see resources for teachers.

Questions

What age is pebble painting for?

Children from about three can paint stones with a grown-up beside them. Painted stones are never for under-threes, who may put small things in their mouths. Younger painters can make big dots, while older ones can try story stones or a counting set.

Where can we find stones to paint?

Look for loose stones that are already lying on the ground in a safe place, and ask permission first. Leave stones alone in protected spots or anywhere a sign asks visitors not to take them. A craft shop or a garden supplier is another option.

Do the stones need varnish?

No. Plain paint is fine for indoor play. If you want the colours to last, a grown-up can add a sealant in a well-aired place, away from children, following the maker's directions. Skipping it is perfectly fine.

What if the paint spills or rubs off?

Washable paint wipes off hands and tables with warm water and soap, and a little rubbing off is normal on a smooth stone. Paint a second thin coat once the first is dry, and wash hands well when you finish.