Bird House Painting
 

• Unpainted wooden birdhouse (simple shape)
• Tempera paints in a few soft, non-overstimulating colors
• Paintbrushes of varied sizes
• Water cup and towel for rinsing
• Apron or smock (optional)
• A small tray or mat to define the workspace

1. Prepare the Environment
   Set up a quiet, well-lit workspace with minimal distractions. Lay out materials neatly on the tray to create a sense of order and invitation.
2. Invitation to Participate Gently offer the choice:Let's paint a bird house. Can you help me? 
3. Demonstrate with Purpose: Without excessive talking, calmly dip the brush into paint and begin to apply it to part of the birdhouse. Use slow, deliberate motions to show how it's done.
4. Encourage Independent Action Offer the paintbrush: “Now it’s your turn if you’d like to try.” Allow them full creative freedom—there are no right or wrong colors.
5. Observe and Support When Needed If they hesitate, offer gentle help without correcting. You might say: “Would you like to use this brush?” or “This color reminds me of spring.”
6. Emphasize Process, Not Product Focus on the joy of painting, not the final look. Celebrate their effort: “You’re doing wonderful work. I love how peaceful this feels.”
7. Wrap Up Gently: When they seem tired or complete, help clean up together if they’re willing—supporting a sense of contribution and closure.