Crayon Resist- Using Art for Teaching

Surprises Are Fun!

You will prepare a white paper before class by drawing or writing something on it with a white crayon.  Nothing is visible to the children at first but your drawing will begin to appear when you apply paint to the white paper.

This is a simple idea for teaching or artwork and it can be adapted to any lesson or subject.

Watch the video instructions here.

Supplies you will need:

• White paper
• White crayon (or a white candle will work too).
• Paint (Water based paint.  I like using tempera paint with children because it is washable but any water-based paint like acrylic will do.)
• Paint brush or sponge to apply the paint.

Instructions:

1. Plan the picture or writing.
2. Use the white crayon or candle to draw a picture or words on the white paper.  Because this is white crayon on white paper the paper will appear to be blank.
3. Use the paint brush or sponge to apply the paint to the white paper.
4. The paint will soak into the paper but not into the parts covered in wax.  Whatever you have drawn with the white crayon will “appear” as you apply the paint.

Helpful Hints:

• You can use a black pen to do the writing or drawing first and then place the blank white paper over it and trace it.
• Prepare this in sunlight or near a lamp so the wax will reflect and you can more easily see what you have drawn.
• Apply the paint to some blank areas before you reveal the picture.  Kids love surprises so draw out the suspense a little.
• Experiment beforehand with the consistency of the paint so it won’t be too thick or too thin.

Applications:

• Use this idea to tell the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and Valuable Pearl.  Use brown paint to depict the treasure being found when the man was digging in the dirt.  On another paper draw lots of little pearls and one huge one.
• Write a memory verse or important word from a story and let the children guess what it is before you apply the paint.
• Use a black pen to draw part of a picture but leave parts blank.  The missing parts will appear as you tell the story.
• Guide the children in creating their own hidden picture.