The instant gratification of this activity makes it perfect for toddlers: one quick squeeze of a trigger or push of a button, and voila! -- streams and dots of color appear where before there were none.

To get started, check that your child has the hand strength to operate your spray bottles. Keep in mind that some are much easier to squeeze than others, so if she can't quite get one to work, try another model.

Now mix the colors. For each, stir together 1 cup of dry tempera paint with 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (the soap helps keep the nozzle from clogging). Mix thoroughly, checking that there aren't any lumps. Pour the paints into the spray bottles.

Outside, hang an old bedsheet on a fence or clothesline (or lay a large piece of paper on the ground). Then point your little squirt toward the canvas and let her paint to her heart's content.