Marshmallow Painting for Preschoolers

Perfect for a camping theme, a hot cocoa theme, or just because, this marshmallow painting process art is a sweet twist. Marshmallow painting only requires a few inexpensive materials and is easy to set up. Students can explore printing with the squishy medium and create to their heart’s content.

Materials Needed for Marshmallow Painting

Most of the items for marshmallow painting are found in every preschool classroom – just add marshmallows! To set up this project, gather these items:

• Large marshmallows
• Chopsticks, small dowels, or sturdy craft sticks
• Tempera Paint
• Small bowls or pie tins
• Construction paper or cardstock
• Paint smocks
• Tarp, disposable table cloth or some other means to protect the work surface

Marshmallow Painting Procedure

First, insert the chopsticks or dowels into the marshmallows. Pour the paint into small tins, get out the paper, and label them with the students’ names. Of course, remind students that the marshmallows covered in paint are not for eating – but maybe provide a few for snack time later! Students then stamp and smear with the marshmallow “brushes” to create their very own masterpieces.

Process Art is Perfectly Simple

The beauty of process art is that there are no hard and fast rules other than letting the children create and express themselves freely. Preschoolers learn best by doing and experimenting – and art is no exception. When working on this project, students try different movements, such as swiping and stamping, and they see the results. Applying different amounts of pressure is a science lesson as the marshmallows squish and create different shapes. Color theory is often a happy accident when the yellow gets painted into the blue – and sometimes, the students even notice this without the teacher’s assistance and continue mixing to see what else they can create. And that’s just with marshmallows – click here for more unusal painting ideas!

Variations

This project is popular, so try changing the variables to add even more interest.

• Provide different sizes and shapes of marshmallows. Toothpicks might be needed for “handles” for the smaller varieties. Mini marshmallows, Peeps™, or even seasonal shapes add even more fun.
• Mix a few drops of food coloring with small bowls of powdered sugar thinned with a few drops of water for edible art. Students can “stamp” their art on graham cracker canvases and then enjoy a sweet treat.
• Use red, orange, and yellow paint to create a “campfire” feel to the artwork. Use natural outdoor sticks as the “handles” for a more realistic touch.
• Paint on the marshmallows themselves! Using small, new paintbrushes and food coloring, preschoolers get a fine motor workout decorating marshmallows.

No matter what variation of marshmallow painting is used in the classroom, it’s sure to be a fast favorite with young learners and keep them entertained for a long time!