NSW Department of Education and Training

Consider using a vertical surface for students to paint on rather than desktops or the floor. The paper could be attached to a wall or cupboard, or an easel used if available. Painting on a vertical surface also gives the advantage of students being able to stand back and look at their work in progress, from a different point of view. However, liquid paints are usually not suitable for vertical surfaces because than may run or dribble.

Collect a variety of unusual or non-traditional surfaces to be used for painting such as; textured paper and cardboard, pieces of timber panelling, material, wall paper, different coloured cardboard, sheets of plastic. Establish “painting stations” in separate areas of the room where equipment can be grouped together.

Store brushes bristle end up. Do not leave brushes in water and change the water used for cleaning brushes frequently

Cleaning up

If there are no sinks or taps near the classroom, use large buckets or containers for clean water to refill washing jars and also for emptying dirty water into.

Have designated “clean-up” helpers or monitors to clean up the equipment and materials quickly and efficiently at the end of the lesson