Materials Needed:

• Small to medium-sized clean, dry gourds
• Non-toxic, washable tempera paints (various bright colors)
• Toddler-safe paintbrushes
• Paper plates or paint palette
• Smock or old t-shirt
• Protective covering for table/floor
• Paper towels or wipes
• Shallow tray or box lined with wax paper for drying

Let's Get Painting!

Preparation (5-10 mins):

1. Cover the work surface thoroughly.
2. Put a smock on the toddler.
3. Pour small amounts of different colored paints onto paper plates.
4. Place the gourds and brushes within easy reach.
5. Talk about the gourds! "Look at these funny bumpy gourds! What shapes do you see?"

Painting Time (15-25 mins):

1. Introduce the activity: "Today we get to paint these cool gourds!"
2. Demonstrate dipping a brush gently into the paint and dabbing or stroking it onto a gourd.
3. Encourage the toddler to choose colors and paint their gourd however they like.
4. Talk about the colors they are using: "Wow, you chose the bright yellow!" "Look, the blue and yellow made green on the gourd!"
5. Focus on exploration and enjoyment. It's okay if colors mix or if they paint more than just the gourd!
6. Let the toddler explore the texture of the paint and the surface of the gourd.
7. There's no right or wrong way – let them lead the creative process.

Clean-up & Drying (5-10 mins):

1. Gently help the toddler wash their hands and remove their smock.
2. Carefully place the painted gourds on the prepared drying tray. Explain they need time to dry before they can be touched or displayed.
3. Clean brushes and the work area together (as much as toddler participation allows).

Wrap-up & Appreciation:

Once dry, admire the beautiful painted gourds together! Talk about the colors and patterns they created. Display them proudly.