Who says painting eggs is just for Easter? Have fun painting Father Christmas and other figures, all while exploring children’s PSED progress. It is best suited for small groups.

Follow our simple step-by-step guide to have a go at this PSED activity today:

What you will need:

• One egg for each child in class (plus a few spare in case of accidents)
• A pin or nail
• A paperclip
• A bowl
• Finger paints

Preparing the activity:

1. Make a small hole in the top of the egg with the pin or nail, and a larger hole in the bottom of the egg.
2. Poke an unwound paperclip through the hold and wiggle it around to mix up the egg yolk inside the egg, making it easier to blow out.
3. Over the bowl, place your mouth on top of the egg and blow to make the insides come out of the bottom. If it is too hard (you need a lot of puff, especially if preparing more than one!), make the holes bigger.
4. Rinse the eggs and leave to dry overnight.

Doing the activity:

Give each child an egg and encourage them to decorate it how they like, using the finger paints. They can paint anything they want, from Father Christmas and snowmen to a sibling or pet, or maybe just some nice, bright colours!

Adapting the Activity:

As this plan doesn’t really focus on Christmas, there will be no problem using it as a non-Christmas activity.

Tracking the activity:

22-36 months

Physical Development: Moving and Handling; “Imitates drawing simple shapes such as circles and lines.”

Expressive arts and design: Exploring and using media and materials; “Experiments with blocks, colours and marks.”

30-50 months

Physical Development: Moving and Handling; “Draws lines and circles using gross motor movements.”

Expressive arts and design: Exploring and using media and materials; “Explores colour and how colours can be changed.”