28/08/2025
This is a beautiful example of a creative, sensory-based activity using handprints to make art (a butterfly and a flower). Activities like this are much more than just “crafts” ... they actively build a young person’s capacity and skills in several developmental areas:
1. Fine Motor Skills
Pressing hands into paint and onto paper strengthens small muscles in the hands and fingers. Holding still and applying pressure with control supports pre-writing and coordination skills.
2. Sensory Processing
Experiencing different textures (wet paint, paper, the sensation of pressing) helps children explore and tolerate new sensory inputs.
It encourages regulation by engaging touch and visual senses in a safe, creative way.
3. Creativity and Imagination
Turning a simple handprint into a butterfly or flower promotes flexible thinking. It encourages children to see everyday things in new and imaginative ways.
4. Communication and Language
Children can describe their artwork, name colours, or explain what they made. This strengthens expressive language and social communication when sharing with others.
5. Emotional Development
Art provides a safe outlet for self-expression, which builds confidence and pride in their achievements. Completing and showing their creation fosters a sense of accomplishment.
6. Cognitive and Problem-Solving Skills
Following steps (paint hand → press on paper → add details) supports sequencing and planning. Deciding on colours, placement and design develop decision making and early problem-solving.
7. Social Skills (if done in a group)
Sharing materials, waiting turns, and talking about each other’s art builds cooperation and positive peer interactions.
In short, this type of handprint art supports holistic development, strengthening motor, sensory, cognitive, language and social-emotional skills, while also being fun and meaningful.
Our Paediatric Support Workers are THE B.E.S.T
Ps. Our Social Worker Karina also has capacity to support in Clinic, using Art Therapy approaches
