Painted Kindness Rocks

What you need

• Water, 1 bowl or bucket for washing
• Dish soap, a small squirt (optional)
• Cotton swabs, a handful for dots and tiny details (optional)
• Plate or tray, 1, for mixing paint (optional)
• Washable paint, a few colors
• Paintbrush, 1 per child
• Towel, 1
• Newspaper, a few sheets, or an old cloth

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Plan a short walk somewhere with smooth, palm-sized rocks (bigger than a child's fist is safest for little ones). At home, cover a table with newspaper or an old cloth, set out paint, and dress everyone in old clothes, since paint can stain skin and fabric. Keep paint away from mouths and stay close during the walk, especially near paths or roads.

1. Go on a rock hunt and find smooth, flat rocks. Ask for help if you need it
2. Wash the rocks with water and a little soap, then dry them.
   Ask: What do you think would happen if we painted on a muddy rock?
3. Squeeze bright paint onto the plate.
4. Paint each rock a bright color. Cover the top fully.
5. Let the base color dry for about 15 minutes.
6. Add a kind message or a simple picture. Cotton swabs make great dots. Ask for help if you need it
   Ask: Who might find this rock, and how will it make them feel?
7. Let the rocks dry completely, then wash hands and clean up. Ask for help if you need it
8. Take a walk and place your rocks where people will spot them. Ask for help if you need it
9. Now make more rocks! Who will find your happy message first?
   Ask: What new kind message could you paint on your next rock?

Play it again

• Theme set: paint a whole set of rocks with one theme, like animals, weather, or silly jokes.
• Rainbow trail: paint one rock for every color of the rainbow and hide them in order along a path.
• Rock swap: trade painted rocks with a friend and hide each other's rocks for a new surprise.