Body Painting

Child performing in drama class
Child development / Drama games / Body painting

Body Painting is a creative and expressive game that invites children to use their bodies and imaginations to create invisible art.

In this game, children pretend their bodies are paintbrushes and the air is their canvas, helping build physical confidence, decision-making and self-expression.

This playful activity is perfect for EYFS and Key Stage 1 drama sessions and encourages joyful and imaginative movement.

Children performing in class

How to play

1. Set the dilemma

Tell the children you're planning to do a big painting...but oh no!

You've forgotten all the paints, paper and brushes.

(Optional: You can send them to the "shop" to get materials, but the shopkeeper (a teacher) has sold out of everything!)

2. Offer the solution

Say to the group: "But wait! We do have our bodies, our imaginations and the air around us. So let's paint that way!"

3. Mix the paints

Ask the children to imagine a big paint pot in front of them.

Let them suggest colours to pour in, swirling and stirring the imaginary mix with exaggerated movements.

4. Create your picture

Ask each child:

  • "What would you like to paint?"
  • "What colour is it going to be?"
  • "What part of your body will you use as the paintbrush?"

Demonstrate a painting, for example, "I'm going to paint a rainbow with my elbows!"

5. Paint together

Let them move and 'paint' in the air using their chosen body part. Encourage big, expressive movement.

6. Gallery time

When their paintings are finished, ask them to 'hang them on the wall' (pointing to an imaginary gallery space).

Walk around admiring the air-art together: "Wow! What a masterpiece!"

What it teaches

  • Creative expression - using the body and imagination to create
  • Decision-making - choosing colours, shapes, and movement styles
  • Body awareness - discovering how different parts of the body can move
  • Language development - describing colours, shapes, and imaginary images
  • Confidence - celebrating individual ideas in a positive, playful setting

Variations to try

  • Group murals - work together to paint one big image in the air
  • Theme challenge - paint something from a story, season, or feeling
  • Guess my painting - act out a painting and others guess what it is


Principal's notes

Children adore this game. It gives them permission to be messy, expressive, and totally original, without needing a drop of real paint! It's perfect for nurturing creativity through imaginative play.

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.

Lucy Quick - Principal of Perform


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