Our School Age group 2 and Before School children designed tote bags using stencils and fabric paint for Father’s Day. The children were able to express freedom of choices as to which pattern of stencils and colours of paint they wanted to use to decorate their tote bags. When Will T. started to paint his stencil, he realized that the black paint was not visible on the black tote bags. So, he asked if he can bring one of his dad’s white T-shirt so that he can paint the black Bar-B-Que stencil on it. Then Emily who was working nearby asked, “Can I also bring a T-shirt from home?” The next day they both brought their T-shirt and chose their paint colours. As they started to paint Will T. said “Oh the colours are so bright with only just one coat of paint.” Then Emily added, “We don’t even have to do any touch ups.” Some of the children quickly realized that they would need to do a second coat of paint in order for the pattern to be visible and vibrant. As Ella was choosing her stencil she said, “I am using the Super Dad stencil and I will paint it blue because my dad loves to wear blue.” Thomas chose the BBQ stencil and said, “I am using the silver paint because I want it to look shiny.” After a while the children discovered that the metallic and glitter paints were more visible. Avery chose the stencil with the carpenter’s tools and said, “My dad is a construction worker he loves using his tools.” Then Amanda added, “I am doing the BBQ stencil also because my dad loves to BBQ.” Tristan said, “I want to paint with the white metallic paint.” As, Tristan was painting he commented, “Oh it is so shiny under the lights.” The tote bags were all painted and sent home for the dads to enjoy.
This activity helped the children to feel a sense of belonging with their dad. They have an opportunity to strengthen their attachment and build stronger relationships with their dads.
