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Art is important because creativity is the foundation of a child's education. It helps to develop motor skills, eye-hand coordination and has a large impact on their social and emotional growth. It also enhances their cognitive development which can have a positive effect on math skills and other related subjects.
Process not Product
Process not Product
In the Early Years, we should be focusing on the artistic process in which a child naturally goes through instead of the end result. We provide the tools for the child, sit back, and let them get lost in the experience.
Benefits of Process Art
Benefits of Process Art
Independence: Process art naturally puts the child in control so instead of expecting direction from you, they get to go wild! As they grow older, they won't expect directions and can easily dive in all on their own. They will learn to trust themselves instead of seeking external help.
Self-regulation: Process art is incredibly soothing and a GREAT source of learning self-regulation. Some children even seek out process art for sensory needs because it helps so much!
Creative thinking: The nature of process art means THEY have to get creative and think of what to do next! This can mean using materials in a new way, seeking out new or favourite materials, and choosing what to create. Product based art can be creative too of course, but not nearly to the level of process art.
Learning: While this approach to the art process seems so simple, kids are learning a lot! Everything from what materials are available, the limitations and use of those materials, as well as cause and effect... kids minds are at work during this time! Depending on the activity, they may also gain new science or math skills without even realising it!
Experimentation: As previously mentioned, kids get to learn all about the materials they use. But this also extends to experimenting. They learn about different possibilities, cause and effect, ask questions, experiment, and so much more. For example, if you give children a selection of paint and paper, they may experiment by mixing different colours to see what happens or ask you about how to make different colours.
Confidence: Through engaging in process art, kids will learn to trust themselves and their own ideas. Overtime you'll notice them becoming very proud of their work as they gain confidence in what they create.
Motor skills: Both gross and fine motor skills are being practiced at this time, too. As they learn to hold a paint brush or crayon, children are practicing fine motor skills. When they are working with a large space, such as an easel, they are also developing gross motor skills as they gain muscle control.
Using Provocations
Using Provocations
An Art Provocation, also called an Invitation to Create, is a thoughtfully set up prompt that provokes children to create, ask questions, test ideas, and think independently, all while exploring with art materials.
The adult’s role in the art provocation to create is to set the materials up, ask provocative questions such as “I wonder what we can create with these supplies?” or challenges such as “How can we use these materials to paint something that flies?” Once the materials are set and the question/s posed, the child is free to explore and manipulate the materials however he or she desires.
Transient Art
Transient Art
By definition, transient art consists of art made from moveable pieces. The idea is that whatever is created, ultimately, is temporary. This shifts the notion of art away from creating a defined, finished product and towards the process of creativity itself. For children in early years, this means they’re encouraged to create and explore materials, rather than focus on the finished product. Most adults will be able to recall a moment in their childhood when they’ve tried to make something and felt disappointed that it wasn’t as good as what they’d hoped for or seen elsewhere. This often leads to disillusionment and giving up, something no child wants to feel. Transient art seeks to end that and encourages children to continue creating regardless of the results.
Art Everywhere!
Art Everywhere!
Producing art should not be confined to the Art area of the room. Art can and should happen everywhere! Transient art can be done on tables, in tuff trays, outdoors, on the floor, in the maths area. Consider using mirrors and light boxes for transient art. Have the children choose a variety of loose parts for the transient art, it might surprise you what they come up with!
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