Spring is the perfect time to dig into science and nature themes in preschool! As part of our week-long worm theme, we explored a unique process art activity using plastic (fake!) worms dipped in brown paint. Painting with worms is a fun and slightly silly activity that is not only hands-on and sensory-rich—it’s also a great way to encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and scientific thinking in young children.
Why Paint with Worms?
Using unconventional tools like plastic worms introduces texture and prints in a new and exciting way. Children engage deeply with the process rather than focusing solely on the end result, making it a true process art experience—perfect for preschool!
Painting with worms sparks conversations about real worms, where they live, and how they move. It’s a playful bridge between art, science, and nature, and helps build connections across the curriculum.
Supplies Needed
- Plastic worms
- Brown washable tempera paint
- Small paper plates or trays
- White paper
- Smocks or old shirts to protect clothing
- Wet wipes or warm soapy water for cleanup
Last update on 2025-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Directions for Worm Painting
- Pour brown paint onto small plates.
- Give each child a plastic worm to dip into the paint.
- Invite the children to use their slippery worms to make marks, textures, and prints on the paper.
- Encourage them to experiment—squiggle, stamp, or drag the worm across the page.
- Observe how each child approaches the activity differently. Some may organize their worm prints in rows, others might swirl and rub.
Observations from Our Classroom
This activity was a huge hit, especially with the boys, who eagerly painted and explored for a long time. One child carefully placed her worm in straight rows to make worm prints, showing an early sense of design and planning. It’s always fascinating to see how children approach process art differently!
Extend the Learning: More Worm Week Activities
As part of our spring worm theme, we also:
- Focused on the letter W
- Explored worms using our Worm Discovery Page
- Dug for worms outdoors
- Read Worm Weather by Jean Taft
- Played in a worm habitat sensory table
- Created dirt and worm process art
- Making worms with playdough extruders and letter cutters
Painting with plastic worms is a fun, unexpected way to combine sensory play with process art. It’s perfect for a preschool spring theme, especially when you’re exploring all things wiggly and wonderful.
These experiences layered together to create a rich, hands-on exploration of science and nature through play.
Ready to try it in your classroom? Get some plastic worms and brown paint—your little artists will love it!