The creative process is what we are focusing on. The creative process not only helps build creativity. It also helps to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
It is vital not to rush young artists to the next developmental level. Each stage is important and there is no advantage gained by rushing through one stage to reach another.
When speaking with a young artist, it is always best practice to focus questions on the "how" rather than the final identification.
Sample Conversation starters include:
"Can you tell me how you made that?"
"Can you tell me the materials you used to make this?"
"What problem-solving did you have to do when making this?"
"Did you have a plan on how to make this or did you create as you made it?"
"Was there anything challenging about making this?"
"What are you most proud of with this piece?"
We read the book "Snippets: A Story About Paper Shapes" by Diane Alber. Artists noticed how the organic shape just wanted to play with the geometric shapes. Being different allowed for new ideas and creations to be made. Artists practiced their cutting and gluing skills along to create their own snippet characters. We added arms and legs with a marker along with googley eyes to make give their characters a personality.
Kindergarten artists explored what a self portrait is and what makes it different from a regular picture. They learned that a self portrait typically includes the artists head, neck, and shoulders, along with a background that reflects who the artist is. Artists discovered how to find materials that matched how they look in real life and how to include details so their drawings reflect who they are.
"The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds is an art studio favorite! Artists learned how by asking the question "what next?" can turn one dot into a master piece. Kinders learned how to use a template to make a circle and how artists sign their artwork to make it their own. They also took inspiration from the picture frame in the book, using curls and swirls to decorate one of their own.
Alma Thomas taught art in the public schools of Washington, D.C for 38 years! Alma is recognized for her major contributions to abstract painting and women artists. Kinder artists explored how we can take inspiration from an artist and make an artwork in a similar style. They used tissue paper, a rip and stick technique, and liquid starch for their own creation.
Eric Carle was a painted paper collage artist that also wrote children's books. Kindergarten artists practiced their cutting and glueing skills along with learning about water color techniques to create their own collage inspired by the book "Papa, Please get the Moon for Me".
While kindergarten artists were in Makerspace, they learned about circuits and created a light up animal. In art, they learned how an environment is where an animal gets its food, water, and is a safe place to live. They used the creative process to plan, create, redesign, and share the environment they created for their Makerspace animal.
Getting into the winter spirit, Kindergarteners learned how chalk pastels are different than ordinary sidewalk chalk. They learned the parts of a paintbrush and created a cold swirly background. They then drew their snowman, cut it out, and attached it to their background with a hat to keep them warm.
Inspired by the book "Zetta, the Poinsettia" artists explored how different objects such as flowers can bring holiday cheer throughout a normally dreary winter. They used pattern to create beautiful red petals and green leaves with just a bit of glitter for the center.
Kindergarten artists learned the process of painting in the art room. They explored how artists not only use a paintbrush, they can use other objects to paint too! Pool noodles, sponges, and even cooking utensils were used to mix primary colors together to create the secondary ones.
The painted paper created was then collaged into a beautiful flower garden. Cutting, gluing, and positioning were skills Kindergarteners worked on with this project!