1.   Prepare the Paint
Pour a small amount of green paint onto a plate or palette.

2.   Paint the Hand
Coat the child’s hand with green paint. Ensure full coverage across the palm and fingers, but avoid excess paint that could blur the print.

3.   Create the Alligator Shape
Guide the child to press their hand onto the paper. Position the hand so the thumb and two fingers form the top of the alligator’s snout. Keep the other two fingers touching for the other side of the jaw, spread apart slightly from the top two, creating the open mouth effect.

4.   Lift and Reveal
Carefully lift the hand straight up to avoid smudging. The result should resemble the head of an alligator with an open mouth. It can help for an adult to press dry, clean hands down on either side of the child’s hand to keep the paper from sticking.

5.   Allow Time to Dry
Let the paint dry completely before adding details. This step prevents markers from bleeding into the paint.

6.   Add Facial Features
Use a black marker to draw a row of triangular teeth along the mouth. Add two small eyes on top of the head. The eyes can be simple circles or slightly raised shapes for extra character.

7.   Draw the Water
With a blue marker, draw squiggly lines beneath the alligator to represent water. These lines add context and reinforce the animal’s habitat.

8.   Include the Letter Connection
Write “A is for Alligator” above or beside the artwork. This ties the visual directly to the letter, reinforcing early literacy skills.