Pick a teacher and hold a painting or coloring class! Use materials you already have (paper, canvas, crayons, paints) and have your “teacher” create the model art piece. Then, the “class” can either imitate the picture independently or follow the teacher’s instructions. Then, take turns being the instructor!

Speech and Language Connections

Following directions: focus heavily on specific, one-to-two step directions as the teacher. Encourage your child to ask for repetitions or clarifications as necessary.

Basic concepts: work on color and shape vocabulary throughout this activity.

Sequencing: targeting this goal works especially well with more complex pictures. As the teacher, give your child two instructions and encourage him or her to determine the appropriate order. As the student, encourage your “teacher” to produce the directions in the same order as the original art piece.

Articulation: practice any target sound your child is currently working on in speech therapy as it comes up throughout the activity.