A fingerprint or thumbprint can give children a starting shape for a small Christmas drawing. Let them add a detail and write a line about what they made. Offer an alternate mark when a child prefers to keep paint off their hands.
At a glance
Make one print, add a detail, and write or dictate a sentence about the result.
1. Show one print
Use a small amount of washable paint or an ink pad suited to the activity. Make one print and explain how it will become part of a picture.
2. Offer a choice of tools
Let children use a fingertip, a small sponge, or a drawn oval. Keep the drawing and writing task the same.
3. Add lines after the print is ready
Model one detail on the illustration. Invite children to choose another detail for their own picture.
4. Rehearse a sentence
Ask children to describe what they made or tell a short story about it. Offer a word bank or a dictated caption.
5. Read and share
Let a partner point to the detail that appears in the sentence. Invite the writer to add a word if the picture needs more explanation.
A classroom example
In a fictional group, Ash makes a print with a sponge and turns it into a small animal. Her teacher asks where it is going, and Ash dictates a sentence about the path she drew.
Companion printable
The 50-page PDF contains ten illustrated fingerprint lessons, handwriting prompts, and extension sheets.
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