Conker collecting is such a fun autumnal activity to get children outside and exploring nature. Once you have collected lots of lovely conkers there are many different ways you can use them such as to make displays, add to play set ups, create conker creatures and do conker paint rolling.
If you would like more information on making conker creatures, take a look at my previous blog post - Conker Creatures
All you need to for this craft is a tray, shoe box or a flat container that can fit an A4 piece of paper inside, as this contains the mess for a quick and easy clean up. You will need poster paint, paper and conkers or if where you live you do not have conkers you can alternatively use stones, acorns, marbles or small bouncy balls.
Conker paint rolling is such a simple concept that can support children in their learning and development. Such as exploring colour mixing and naming the colours of the paint. You can explore and describe the conkers. As well as using gross motor skill control as the children move the tray and direct the conkers around the paper, challenge the children to demonstrate control and precision by directing the conker to make a zig zag pattern, circle of straight line which is very tricky to make. You can also talk to the children about how each painting is unique and different because it is impossible to make them the same and direct the conkers in the same ways every time.
Start by placing a piece of paper into a try or box, I used a shoebox because I can recycle it afterwards eliminating the clean up. You can secure the paper to the tray or box using tape or blue tack, however it normally stays with out this. Get the children to squeeze a small amount of coloured paint of their choice into each corner of the paper. Maybe predict how you think the colour will mix and what new colours may appear.
Add in your conkers, I chose you use 4 but experiment with making patterns and having more control over one conker and then enjoy mixing the paint using loads of conkers.
Hold the box or tray with two hands and slowly move it using gentle and controlled actions. Teaching the children to be slow and in control as they observe how their movements impact the way the conkers travel. Its so exciting to watch the paintings develop and unfold before you, creating excitement and anticipation to see the final masterpiece.
Sometimes less is more with conker paint rolling and its beneficial to take the paper away before it all gets covered in paint. Once you have completed this activity, leave the paintings to dry and they can be used in many different ways such as by cutting out shapes to stick on cards, cut the painting in to abstract labels for gifts or use the artwork to wrap small presents, adding a personal touch.
I hope you enjoy this conker paint rolling activity!
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