Art

Preschool

What We Saw: Art projects that children had created were placed at child level and were process oriented. One project had children use glue and glitter to create their own designs. Another project consisted of a collage with leaves and grasses collected outside and glued on paper in whatever way the child chose. Large pieces of paper were at the easel and two children had created a mural together. The children asked the teacher to write on the painting, "we can walk together" and then help them put their names on the painting.

What It Means: To offer art activities as an exploratory process, rather than to produce a particular product, is better for the child (more "developmentally appropriate"). Adult-made models, patterns and pre-drawn forms should be used infrequently. Avoiding these models allows the children to use their creativity to express themselves through their artwork. The teachers had provided many opportunities for the children to engage in process art. The children could take pride in their artwork because they were displayed at child eye-level in the classroom. (Writing children's narrated words on the painting is a terrific
pre-reading activity.)

Preschool

What We Saw: The teacher pours paint into the cups at the easel and places a brush in each, in response to a child who asked to paint. She helps the child put on a paint smock and writes his name on the paper. Throughout the morning, she helps children take turns painting at the easel, hanging up their paintings to dry on a nearby rack. She removes and rolls up the paintings children had done the previous day. The teacher moves throughout the room, but always keeps an eye on the easel, keeping track of the children who asked to paint, and offering them a turn when another child finishes. She doesn't comment on the paintings, and the children (ages 2 1/2 to 4) seem focused on exploring the patterns, colors and lines they produce on the paper. Many children make circular patterns, large and small. One boy carefully makes parallel downward strokes across the page in alternating colors. All children seem to want to fill up the paper, and stop when that is accomplished to their satisfaction.

What It Means: The teacher values providing children with time to explore on their own with paint and brushes. She respects each child's experience, and does not interfere with comments or questions. They don't need her attention or support, only her assistance in removing the paintings. The children are free to explore line, color and space, and to master use of the brush. The teacher uses this easel painting opportunity as a way to help engage children in a purposeful activity, and as an opportunity for self-expression and creativity. She takes care to send each painting home with the children, to help parents appreciate the value of their child's original art.

Preschool

What We Saw: The teacher assists two boys at the paint easel. She helps them on with smocks, then places paper on each side of the easel. One boy crowds the paint cups in the second boy's tray as the teacher places brushes in them. She puts some of the paint cups in the tray on the other side of the easel and tells them each where to paint. Both boys paint for several minutes, filling up their paper. When they are finished, the teacher hangs the papers up to dry and then goes to the children playing in the block area to ask if anyone else would like to paint.

What It Means: The teacher set up the activity so each child could have his own space to paint. She provided a variety of colors to use, and then gave each child time to create on their own. They were both engrossed in the painting. Children need time to explore art materials in their own way, creating and experimenting without a finished model to duplicate. In art experiences like this, children have an opportunity for expression of feelings and ideas. They explore line and color, and gain skill in fine motor control. They can enjoy the process, without being judged on how their creation compares to someone else's product.

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