Use new, inexpensive household sponges, but tear them and pull them apart slightly to give the sponges a more random and open texture, like a natural sea sponge.
Step 1
Pour the liquid tempera paints (just a few tablespoons) on the paper plates, one color per plate. Dampen sponges by dipping them in water and squeezing out most of the water. Place a few sponge pieces on each plate.
Step 2
Working on a newspaper-covered surface, give each child a sheet of paper and demonstrate how to lightly dab the sponges in the paint and press them on the paper. Kids should use one color of paint per sponge. Tip: Have a few extra sponges handy in case some colors are more popular than others.
Step 3
Set the artwork aside to dry. This is a particularly good party activity and, when the party is over, guests can take their artwork home with them.
