Art is such an essential part of human nature whether we realize it or not. We use it to surround ourselves with beauty, to emulate what God has created and to express ourselves. Some of us are a bit too shy to claim ourselves to be artists (although I hold the belief that everyone who can imagine can create art). I am an artist and enjoy nearly element of creating a piece for my family and friends. The joy comes from the process of creating. This joy stems from my childhood. It gave me peace then and gives me peace now.
We grown-ups provide the time, the space, the materials, and the atmosphere needed to create the wonderful works of art that only children can create. In valuing a child's artistic attempts, however, we should appreciate the beauty of the color and design rather than worry about the finished product.
Real art for real children is:
Personal. Art can be as simple as colors representing a pretty day or as complex as a series of lives which express a sad/happy feeling. It is important that each idea be developed by the child without adult preconceptions.
Spontaneous. Always be ready for that creative moment!
Inventive. Children need to have access to a variety of materials. Some art masters paint with egg yolks, mash berries for color, and use sticks for brushes. Experiment!
Imaginative. Cows can be purple, tears gray with glitter. The moon really can smile, and mommies can have six arms. (yeah, in our hopes... )
Unique. An original idea, combined with imaginative expression and materials of the child's choice, encourages ownership and a positive sense of self-esteem. No two works of art look the same when young children are the artists.
Therapeutic. Art provides children with the means to gain control over their feelings. A completed creative work establishes feelings of self-satisfaction and self-confidence.
Fun. Whether kids concentrate alone or work in shared creative group, a positive, enthusiastic atomosphere of enjoyment is essential! Be encouraging and supportive. Ask questions about their work and talk about the elements that you see on the page. i.e. color, shape or size. Be careful to use "praise" language such as "good job" sparingly because that makes the child want to do the work for you and your approval. Ultimately, the child should want to create art for the pleasure of creating.
Enjoy art. Get in there and create with them. Sit down with them and glue a gillion google eyes on the supposed turtle. :) Visit art museums and science centers. Yes! There is art in science. Check out art books from the library. And enjoy the discoveries.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Choices
Why do we as adults pursue hobbies such as golf, crochet, or gardening? We spend time in such an activity because we find it enjoyable, we have some control over the activity, and we see it as offering some probability of success. We choose what we will crochet or plant; we decide where, when, and with whom we will play golf or tennis.
Children, too, learn best when they have some control over their learning, when activities are meaningful and relevant, and when they can make choices in the materials they will work with and how they will use them.
Children thrive when they have opportunities every day to make choices in their learning. We facilitate children's choices within a carefully planned environment. We create the environment to allow each child to choose activities that are developmentally appropriate for his or her age. The children choose the peers with whom they will work and play and usually determine how they will use the available materials.
These choices empower children to take control of their own learning. Children use materials and equipment in far more creative and innovative ways that we could ever plan, and they use the materials in ways that meet their own developmental needs.
Research indicates that intrinsic motivation - when we work on a task primarily because we find it satisfying - is the most effective and engaging way to learn. As efforts are being made to provide materials and activities that provide choices and interest the children you will see their excitement for learning grow and their horizons expand. Exciting!!
Children, too, learn best when they have some control over their learning, when activities are meaningful and relevant, and when they can make choices in the materials they will work with and how they will use them.
Children thrive when they have opportunities every day to make choices in their learning. We facilitate children's choices within a carefully planned environment. We create the environment to allow each child to choose activities that are developmentally appropriate for his or her age. The children choose the peers with whom they will work and play and usually determine how they will use the available materials.
These choices empower children to take control of their own learning. Children use materials and equipment in far more creative and innovative ways that we could ever plan, and they use the materials in ways that meet their own developmental needs.
Research indicates that intrinsic motivation - when we work on a task primarily because we find it satisfying - is the most effective and engaging way to learn. As efforts are being made to provide materials and activities that provide choices and interest the children you will see their excitement for learning grow and their horizons expand. Exciting!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
This little piggy...
In the two-day class this morning we had a lot of fun learning about pigs.
At the art table the children painted their pigs with "muddy" paint. This is easy to do. All you have to do is add coffee grounds to the paint. Not only does this add texture but smell. We often try to engage all of the senses to create a fun learning environment. This simple paint is a great way to engage at least four of the senses. I don't recommend that the taste sense be use. :) Other great smells and textures can be added to your paint. We have added a variety of flavors in the classroom such as lemon, cherry and mint. We also add sand during our beach theme. This makes for very heavy paint. Add shaving creme for a fluffy effect. It's fun to experiment. They are not all successes. One time I tried Karo Syrup because I was told it would add a sheen. Well, that is true but it took forever to dry and incredibly difficult to clean up. Even for me. :) It's a lot of fun to watch the children discover new things about their paint.
A note about art in the three and four year old class. Because of the brain development at this age research has shown that it is the "process not the product" that is important. Children at this age need time and permission to experiment with the different mediums and tools. Their scribbles are important. To get to the images that we as adults recognize there is a serious process that has to happen and this process is international. What this means is that through a variety of research world-wide it has been shown that children go through the same drawing stages at about the same ages. It's quite remarkable. So it's OK that you let your young child express themselves freely because there are many things happening in the order that they are to happen. Shortly I will post an excellent article regarding this topic. Enjoy your children's art. It is beautiful.
At the art table the children painted their pigs with "muddy" paint. This is easy to do. All you have to do is add coffee grounds to the paint. Not only does this add texture but smell. We often try to engage all of the senses to create a fun learning environment. This simple paint is a great way to engage at least four of the senses. I don't recommend that the taste sense be use. :) Other great smells and textures can be added to your paint. We have added a variety of flavors in the classroom such as lemon, cherry and mint. We also add sand during our beach theme. This makes for very heavy paint. Add shaving creme for a fluffy effect. It's fun to experiment. They are not all successes. One time I tried Karo Syrup because I was told it would add a sheen. Well, that is true but it took forever to dry and incredibly difficult to clean up. Even for me. :) It's a lot of fun to watch the children discover new things about their paint.
A note about art in the three and four year old class. Because of the brain development at this age research has shown that it is the "process not the product" that is important. Children at this age need time and permission to experiment with the different mediums and tools. Their scribbles are important. To get to the images that we as adults recognize there is a serious process that has to happen and this process is international. What this means is that through a variety of research world-wide it has been shown that children go through the same drawing stages at about the same ages. It's quite remarkable. So it's OK that you let your young child express themselves freely because there are many things happening in the order that they are to happen. Shortly I will post an excellent article regarding this topic. Enjoy your children's art. It is beautiful.
Monday, February 1, 2010
So Moooooch Fun!
Today we had delightful time learning about cows in a variety of ways.
MILKING COWS: At the art table the children had a blast "milking" cows. Between two chairs there tied was a rubber glove filled with white paint. Small holes were poked at the end of each fingertip so when the children squeezed the fingers the "milk" squirted onto their paper. There was aprehension at first and then a lot of giggles!
MAKING BUTTER: This is such a fun and easy science project to do with your kids. Fill a water bottle half way full with whipping cream. Fasten the lid tightly and let the children shake the bottle. After some time the whipping cream separates into butter and milk. You can have conversation about liquids and solids, what foods we can enjoy from cow's milk, and how God provides us with such healthy foods. The milk is quite good and we spread the butter onto crackers for our snack. You'll will need to cut off the top of the water bottle to get to the butter.
CLICK, CLACK, MOO: This is a wonderful book that the children can become fully engaged. It's perfect for this age group as they are developing their sense of humor. In class we are focusing on comprehension. To do this is easy at home as well. I read a page or two then I ask a simple question regarding something on a previous page. This helps the children begin to think on past text and practice their listening and memory skills. It is also fun to ask a "silly" question such as "What if the cows were warm instead of cold? Would they still ask for electric blankets? Whatelse would they ask for instead?" This engages their critical thinking skills and gets their imaginations going as well as their giggles.
MILKING COWS: At the art table the children had a blast "milking" cows. Between two chairs there tied was a rubber glove filled with white paint. Small holes were poked at the end of each fingertip so when the children squeezed the fingers the "milk" squirted onto their paper. There was aprehension at first and then a lot of giggles!
MAKING BUTTER: This is such a fun and easy science project to do with your kids. Fill a water bottle half way full with whipping cream. Fasten the lid tightly and let the children shake the bottle. After some time the whipping cream separates into butter and milk. You can have conversation about liquids and solids, what foods we can enjoy from cow's milk, and how God provides us with such healthy foods. The milk is quite good and we spread the butter onto crackers for our snack. You'll will need to cut off the top of the water bottle to get to the butter.
CLICK, CLACK, MOO: This is a wonderful book that the children can become fully engaged. It's perfect for this age group as they are developing their sense of humor. In class we are focusing on comprehension. To do this is easy at home as well. I read a page or two then I ask a simple question regarding something on a previous page. This helps the children begin to think on past text and practice their listening and memory skills. It is also fun to ask a "silly" question such as "What if the cows were warm instead of cold? Would they still ask for electric blankets? Whatelse would they ask for instead?" This engages their critical thinking skills and gets their imaginations going as well as their giggles.
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