SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 28
Download to read offline
By Cathy Abraham
“All young children are great artists. The importance of their art is in the act of creating with confidence and in using their imaginations. It is our sacred trust not to take away this gift from our children, but to encourage and nurture it at every opportunity.” 
~ Susan Striker
AArrtt RReecciippeess Non-Hardening No Cook Playdough 
2 cups self-rising flour 
1 T. Alum 
2 T. Salt 
2 T. cooking oil 
1 cup plus 2 T. boiling water 
Mix and knead. (Due to boiling water, cannot be made with the children) Dry Salt Paint 
1 cup salt 
½ tsp food coloring 
Spread in pan to dry. Put in shakers. Shake onto paper brushed with glue. Cooked Playdough 
1 cup flour 
½ cup salt 
1 cup water 
1 T. vegetable oil 
1 tsp cream of tartar 
Heat until ingredients form a ball. Add food coloring. Finger Paint 
1 cup elastic dry starch 
1 cup cold water 
3 cups boiling water 
1 cup Ivory Snow Flakes 
oil of cloves (few drops) 
vegetable coloring 
Dissolve elastic starch in cold water. Smooth lumps and add boiling water. Stir constantly. Thicken but do not boil more than 1 minute. Add rest of ingredients. Use on glazed paper or wrapping paper. Soap Bubbles 
1 cup water 
2 T. liquid detergent 
1 T. glycerin 
½ tsp. Sugar 
Mix all ingredients. Use bubble wands to blow bubbles. Sawdust Modeling 
4 cups sawdust 
1 cup wheat paste 
2 ½ cups water. 
Mix. Add color. 
ca00
Easy Playdough 
2 cups flour 
1 cup salt 
tempera paint 
water 
Mix flour, salt and paint with enough water to make the correct consistency. Sally’s Playdough Recipe 
1 cup flour 
1 cup water 
1 T. oil 
1 T. alum 
½ cup salt 
2 T. vanilla 
food coloring 
Mix all dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches the consistency of mashed potatoes. Remove from heat, add vanilla and color. Divide into balls and knead in color. Paste 
½ cup flour 
½ cup water Clean Mud 
4 rolls of toilet paper (torn) 
3 bars Ivory Soap (shaved) 
1 gallon warm water 
½ tsp. bleach 
large tub 
Place torn toilet paper in tub. Add grated soap. Add warm water. Mix and knead.Add water when dry. Gak 
Mix equal parts white glue to liquid starch. (Gak has the texture and consistency of Silly Putty) Goop 
½ cup cornstarch 
¼ cup water 
food coloring 
Mix in media table. Let children explore texture – it is wet, but feels dry to the touch. Puffy Paint 
Mix equal parts of flour, salt, water, liquid tempera (for color). Put in squeeze container. Use on heavy paper. 
ca00
Scribble Cookies 
Put old stubby crayons in muffin tins (lined with cupcake papers) Place in warm oven. Let melt. Pop out of paper when cool. Sparkly Salt Paint 
2 cups salt 
½ cup liquid starch 
1 cup water 
tempera paint or food color 
Thoroughly mix liquid starch, salt, and water. Slowly add food coloring or tempera powder. Use as paint. Pictures will sparkle when the salt paint dries. Dry Sand Paint 
½ cup sand (washed, dried) 
1 T. powdered paint 
Mix. Put into a shaker 
Shake onto glue on paper Face Paint 
2 T. cold cream 
½ tsp glycerin 
1 T. cornstarch 
1 tsp dry tempera paint Pixie Dust 
Glitter 
Confetti 
Flour 
Sugar 
Mix together. Sprinkle! Potters Clay 
½ cup flour 
½ cup cornstarch 
1 cup salt 
3 ½ cups boiling water 
Dissolve salt in boiling water. Add cornstarch, mix, cook until clear. Cool overnight. Add 6-8 additional cups flour until not sticky. Soapsuds Clay 
¾ cup soap powder 
1 T. warm water 
Mix well. Modeling Goop 
2 cups salt 
1 cup water 
1 cup cornstarch 
Cook salt and ½ cup water 5 min. Add rest, cook until thickens
Colored Glue 
Mix food coloring, tempera or glitter into glue bottles. Cloud Dough 
1 cup salad oil 
6 cups flour 
1 cup water 
food coloring or tempera 
Use just enough water to bind mixture. Knead. Cloud dough is soft, pliable and oily, but provides an unusual tactile experience. Oatmeal Dough 
1 cup flour 
2 cups oatmeal 
1 cup water 
food coloring or tempera 
Mix flour and oatmeal, then add water gradually. Cornmeal may be added in place of oatmeal to vary the texture. Sidewalk Chalk 
‘Plaster of Paris’ 
Tempera (for color) 
Mix. Pour into cupcake papers 
Pop out when dry. Baked Salt Dough 
2 cups flour 
1 cup salt 
Enough water to make a 
dough-like mixture. 
Flat objects can be baked at 
300*F. for 1 hour. Paper 
clips in back before baking 
will serve as a hanger. 
Paint designs after baking. Hard-drying Clay 
2 cups Baking Soda 
1 cup cornstarch 
1 ¼ cup water 
Mix cornstarch and baking 
soda. Add water. Blend 
thoroughly, then bring to a 
boil stirring constantly. 
At consistency of mashed 
potatoes, cool. Sculptures 
dry in 36 hours. 
Notes: 
 Store ‘doughs’ in airtight plastic bags or containers. 
 Children are to wash hands prior to use of shared group materials. 
 Safety is paramount in cooking with children!!
Growth and Learning through Manipulative Art Materials 
(doughs, clays and squeezables) 
Emotional Development 
Feelings of success and competency 
Sense of control 
Calming and soothing 
Stress reducing/ self behavior modifier 
Outlet for feelings 
Tension reliving 
Social Development 
Seen in all stages of play: 
Solitary 
Parallel 
Associative 
Cooperative 
Promotes sharing 
Builds social language 
Social ‘icebreaker’ 
Cognitive Development 
Causeeffect 
Part/whole relationships 
Special relationships 
Matching/comparing 
Language development 
Properties 
Physical Development 
Lg and small muscle develop. 
Fingerdexterity 
Pincher grip (pre-writing) 
Eye-hand coordination 
Establishment of handedness 
Musclestrength 
Creative Development 
Open-ended 
Creative expression/exploration 
Mallable/ changeable 
Individualism 
Development of imagination
Guidelines for Open-ended Art 
- Never alter or ‘fix’ a child’s work 
- Provide a wide variety of interesting materials and choices 
- Add new materials weekly, incorporating your theme if possible 
- Never tell a child what to create 
- Emphasize the process, not the end product 
- Don’t ask “What is it?”; Say “Tell me about it” 
- Ask the child if and where he/she would like his name put 
- Let children explore materials 
- Let children come up with their own ideas and use materials creatively 
- Provide materials for 3-D and on-going artwork projects 
- Encourage, do not force participation 
- Do not do models or samples for the children 
- Throw away any colorbooks or dittos in the room 
- All materials should be at the children’s level, and accessible 
- Playdough and the art easel should be open the majority of each day 
- Encourage children to express feelings and personal experiences through art 
- Display art in a variety of ways – it should not all ‘match’ 
- Talk about texture, color, smell, shape, etc and the experience 
- Let the children be as independent as possible, and encourage self- help skills and responsibility in cleaning up art 
- Educate parents as to the value and learning in open-ended art 
- Teach and model appropriate use and respect of materials 
- Allow ample time for children to create and explore 
- Incorporate books on fine art in your classroom 
- Children should be doing their own cutting – it’s okay if a circle doesn’t remotely resemble a circle yet. This is how they develop these fine muscles – and makes it ‘their’ work and experience. 
- There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way, or end product. 
- The art area should have lots and lots of a variety of different collage materials, and always be an open, available choice for children 
cabraham
WHAT CAN YOU SAY TO 
CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART?… 
“I see circles in your picture.” 
“You filled up the whole paper.” 
“Do you have a story you want to tell me about your picture?” 
“Would you like me to write something on your picture?” 
“Tell me about how you made the blue lines so smooth.” 
“I feel happy when I look at your picture. The colors are very bright.” 
“I can see you worked hard on that.” 
“You used red, yellow and orange in your picture.” 
“You’ve got all kinds of lines in your picture.” 
Remember – when we say something very specific about a 
child’s work, it is much more meaningful than an insincere 
“That’s beautiful!”… and shows that we are truly looking 
at what they did.
How Creative is your “Creative Art?”… 
Is there a ‘right way’ or a ‘wrong way’?… 
Or is it open-ended? 
Do all the pieces look basically alike?… 
Or is every child’s piece original and unique? 
Does it require a great deal of teacher preparation or assistance? 
Or can the child work independently? 
Does the activity emphasize the end product? 
Or the process and experience? 
Does the child need to follow a predetermined outline? 
Or can the child express his/her own ideas and feelings? 
Is the experience ‘Teacher-directed’ and initiated? 
Or child directed and initiated? 
And finally… 
WHOSE HANDS ARE BUSIER – THE CHILD’S OR THE ADULT’S?
Dear Mom and Dad, 
It may not look like much, but my scribbles are very important! Scribbling is the first step in learning to write, and I am developing the muscles I will need to hold a pencil! 
Sometimes a scribble is not just a scribble! 
Love, 
Your toddler
For Added Variety: 
Tools to Paint With 
Paint brushes * sponges * combs * spools * tooth brushes * paint rollers * sticks * rag strips * cookie cutters * cooking utensils * 
q-tips * pine cones * scrub brushes * straws * string * yarn * medicine droppers * deodorant roll-top bottles * corncobs * crumpled paper * feathers * potatoes mashers * tongue depressors * Popsicle sticks * fingers * fruits/vegetables * dental floss * marbles * rubber spatulas * fly swatters * koosh balls * spray bottles * golf balls * large beads * cotton balls * evergreen swags * plastic play animal ‘feet’ (prints) * wheels * 
old mascara brushes * pipecleaners * corks * bubble wrap * 
nail polish brushes * kitchen basting brushes * baby bottle brushes 
Surfaces on Which to Paint 
All kinds of paper – colored, computer, newsprint, manila, giftwrap, waxed paper, old newspapers, typing paper, tagboard, butcher paper, posterboard, construction paper, fingerpaint paper, easel paper, etc 
Lunch bags * cloth * foil * corrugated cardboard * large tile squares * rocks * bark * boards * sidewalks * windows * mirrors * plastic coffee lids * styrafoam meat trays * old placemats * burlap * coffee filters * boxes * magazines * wallpaper * comic strips * old phone books * plexiglas * screens * window shades * envelopes * paper plates * paper towels * canvas * paper towel tubes * tissue paper * bubble wrap * doilies * suede * old shower curtains * sheets * vinyl * cellophane * fabric * T-shirts * pieces of wood * clay creations * tin * ceiling tiles * paper grocery bags 
cabraham00
Mixers to Add Variety to Paint Texture 
Sand * coffee grounds * baby powder * detergent powder * water (to change consistency) * rice * glitter * sugar * cornmeal * salt * oatmeal * soap flakes * baking powder * syrup * cooking oil * shaving crème * glue * confetti * 
Media For at the Easel 
Finger paint * tempera paint (with a variety of textures – see above) * 
Watercolors * diluted food coloring * berry juices * dried up markers dipped in water * chalk * chalk dipped in water * shaving cream * crayons * 
oil sticks * colored pencils * markers (thick/thin)* highlighters * scribble cookies * several crayons tied together * spray bottles with diluted paint or colored water * graphite pencils * calligraphy pens * charcoal sticks * glitter pens * colored glue * stamp pads * paint brushes tied together 
Collage Materials 
Cut up straws * yarn * fabric scraps * magazines * greeting cards * ribbon * tissue paper scraps * twine * glitter * egg shells * stamps * small wood scraps * confetti * packaging materials * bows * streamers * fringe * fake fur scraps * velvet * wrapping paper * Popsicle sticks * paper scraps * wallpaper books * pompom balls * googlie eyes * doilies * trim * colored pasta * cotton balls * q-tips * Easter grass * raffia * catalogs * buttons * sequins * feathers * felt * foil * lace * rickrack * seeds * shredded paper * dried flower petals * ceramic tiles * colored wire * spools * crepe paper * * beads * bread bag closures * All types of paper (listed above) 
Materials for 3-D Projects 
Milk cartons * Paper plates * Paper towel rolls * gift/shoe boxes * spools * frozen food trays * chicken wire * clothespins * coffee cans * shells
Stages of Art Development 
Stage One: Manipulative 
Random attempts to manipulate various materials – scribbling, thick sweeps of paint strokes, pounding and squeezing of clay. Typically seen in children under 4 years, with focus on experiential and tactile. 
Stage Two: Patterning/Design 
Typically develops by age 4, experimentation with beginning to master materials. Children discovering lines, shapes, dots, spaces, and patterns. 
Stage Three: Naming/Symbolic 
Children able to make models or pictures representing things, often with object in mind as they begin the process. 
Stage Four: Representation 
Develops around age 5 or 6, with children’s art actually resembling objects represented. Initially many details missing, with more detail as skill level and motor control develop. 
Art Elements: line, shape, form, color and texture. 
Principles of Visual Organization: unity, variety, balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, movement, repetition, pattern.
Where to get Free Art Materials 
Alteration Shops/Tailors: 
- spools 
- fabric scraps 
- buttons 
- samples 
- remnants 
Builders/Carpet  Floor Stores: 
- carpet samples 
- floor samples 
- tile samples 
- discontinued tile 
- packaging materials 
- old wallpaper sample books 
- paint swatches 
- large tubes (packaging) 
- wood scraps 
- discontinued knobs and handles 
Photography Stores: 
- empty film canisters 
- mis-cut mapboard 
- centers from mapboard frames 
- old promotional pictures 
Copy/Print Shops: 
- computer paper 
- scrap paper 
- mis-printed envelops, stationary, forms 
- ends of paper rolls 
- packaging materials 
- pads of paper ‘ends’ 
- ‘punches’ from paper that has been 3-hole punched
What message does a child get from Teacher – directed product art and craft activities: 
The adult’s ideas are more important than mine. In comparison, someone else’s work is always better than mine. Different is not better - all being the 
same is the goal. Art is not about expressing myself or my ideas. I can’t do it right. If it’s good my Teacher will like it – and me. I don’t have to think – just do what my Teacher says. I don’t know what to do unless the Teacher tells me.
This is not about me or about what I want to do. 
““AAllll cchhiillddrreenn aarree aarrttiissttss,, aanndd iitt iiss aann iinnddiiccttmmeenntt ooff oouurr ccuullttuurree tthhaatt ssoo mmaannyy ooff tthheemm lloossee tthheeiirr ccrreeaattiivviittyy,, tthheeiirr uunnffeetttteerreedd iimmaaggiinnaattiioonnss,, aass tthheeyy ggrrooww oollddeerr.. BBuutt tthheeyy ssttaarrtt ooffff wwiitthhoouutt sseellff-- ccoonnsscciioouussnneessss aass tthheeyy ppaaiinntt tthheeiirr ppuurrppllee fflloowweerrss,, tthheeiirr aannaattoommiiccaallllyy iimmppoossssiibbllee ppeeooppllee,, tthheeiirr tthhuunnddeerroouuss,, ssuullpphhuurroouuss sskkiieess.. TThheeyy ddoonn’’tt wwoorrrryy tthhaatt tthheeyy mmaayy nnoott bbee aass ggoooodd aass DDiiCChhiirrccoo oorr BBrraaccqquuee;; tthheeyy kknnooww iinnttuuiittiivveellyy tthhaatt iitt iiss ffoollllyy ttoo mmaakkee ccoommppaarriissoonnss,, aanndd tthheeyy ggoo aahheeaadd aanndd ssaayy wwhhaatt tthheeyy wwaanntt ttoo ssaayy..””
- Madeleine L’Engle 
Maybe Tomorrow He could soar to the highest mountains, 
by Lindy T. Redmond He could dream in his mind 
He could nurture his talents, 
“Me do it,” said the 2 year old, His gifts he could now fine. 
“Mom, me will do it now,” 
“Oh no, my dear,” she replied, The teacher came into his room 
“I must show you how!” And greeted everyone 
“Let me try it,” he called at 3 “Take out your crayons and paper, 
“Let me make my bed,” we’re going to have some fun.” 
“No, you will have lumps in it, “Use this tracer to make a bunny 
Color this instead.” And neatly print your name, 
They’ll all be brown with long ears, 
So she placed the coloring book They’ll all look just the same.” 
Near him on the table, 
“Now try to color in the lines 
The best you are able.” “But I don’t want my bunny 
“But Mom, I want to draw the world To stand up straight and tall 
And all the butterflies, I want him crouched among the grass 
I want to make the mountains tall, And to be white, that’s all.” 
And make rainbows in the skies.” “They’ll be nicer if we keep 
Them looking alike too, 
“Color carefully,” she replied,``` Now please sit down  start your work 
And color the flowers red, We’ve got a lot to do.” 
Color the sky all light blue 
Stay in the lines,” she said. 
And as the 4 year old one day So slowly he took his seat, 
His shoes he tried to tie, His eyes had lost their thrill, 
His father said, “I’ll teach you how He now knew just what he’d face, 
And later YOU can try.” Monotony and drill. 
“Maybe later,” thought the lad, 
And so it was, from birth to 5, “She’ll let me make my own, 
The others told him HOW, Maybe tomorrow I can paint 
They gave him restraints and set the laws My picture all alone.” 
Of what they would allow. 
Then one day the yellow bus So on the next clear morning, 
Came right up to his door, They took their crayons out, 
The little boy thought for sure “Oh boy, I’ll make the sky orange 
That NOW he could explore. I’ll be different, without a doubt.” 
“Color carefully,” she replied, 
He now could dream and imagine “And color the flowers red,
And experiment on his own, Color the sky light blue 
He could paint HIS colors Stay in the lines,” she said. 
And investigate all alone. “Maybe tomorrow, maybe never.” Thought the boy as he colored the sky light blue. 
1. Provides a means of communication and 
expression 
2. Serves as an emotional release 
3. Heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity 
4. Develops and promotes creative thinking 
5. Develops an appreciation for individuality 
6. Serves as a balance in classroom activities 
7. Assists in the development of physical 
coordination 
8. Strengthens self-concept and self confidence 
9. Increases self understanding 
10. Enhances the ability to visualize 
11. Helps develop fine motor skills 
12. Provides opportunities for problem- 
solving and decision making 
13. Provides insight and assists the adult in 
understanding the child 
14. Develops self-help skills 
15. Illustrates cause and effect
This is a reminder that to children, the process is much more important than the finished product… GENUIS AT WORK The artist bend over his easel And took up his palette and brush He sketched in the curve of an outline In colors both vivid and lush. I watched him add highlights and shadows With deftness and delicacy, Convinced that no Ruebens of Titan Worked with greater concentration than he. He splashed on a bit of ripe crimson. He blended in scarlet and maize. Then at length he leaned back from his canvas And appraised it with critical gaze. Slowly he turned and presented That completed creation of his. “See, Teacher! My pictures all finished. Now help me decide what it is.” - Adelaide Holl
I am learning through art! 
In the Art Area I am expressing myself and being creative. I am using my small muscles and am developing eye-hand coordination. I am seeing cause and effect, and the different properties of my materials. All of my creations are unique and special –
like me! 
Creative, Visually Appealing Ways to 
Display Children’s Artwork /Projects 
Í Have a variety of different types of art and mediums. Mix it up – stay away from a bulletin board with just fingerpainting or just collages. When the art displayed is diverse, each piece looks even more unique. 
Í Incorporate real photographs of the children working on the art or projects. This helps the children remember doing the work displayed, adding more opportunities for language development, and gives parents additional insight as to the process involved. 
Í Add dictation. The children’s words describing their work (or 
some other aspect) should accompany the art as well. 
Í Include 3-D pieces. This adds dimension to your display. Think of interesting or unusual ways for the children to “frame” their work if they would like. (mirrors, pap 
Í 
er 
Í m 
hape. 
Í 
Í 
Í s more. Often those really nice, colorful 
teacher borders take away from 
the children’s work – which 
plates, contrasting paper, corrugated cardboard, hanging, etc) Chronicle a project (with pictures and dictation) fro 
start to finish. Show a how project evolves and takes s 
Í Place as much as possible at the child’s eye level. The blue “Tacky-tape” (sticky, gum-like moldable adh 
esive) typically is kindest on painted walls, and is least likely to remove paint when artwork is taken down. If you want to put a “title” on the bulletin board as a header, stay away from “cutesy” plays on words. Those are adult-oriented, and over the children’s heads. Get input from the children. If it is right before Halloween, and the various 
creations are about spiders, a heading like “Our Spider Project” or “What We Know About Spiders” is appropriate. Sometimes less i
should be the focus. 
PROCESS/ 
AD 
- Watch how I do this. Let’s 
- 
he 
rectangle goes here. The 
e windows. 
- Color in the lines so your 
y looks 
nice. 
- 
- That is a nice picture, but 
He needs arms. 
- 
today for art. 
- 
- Here is a container with all 
- 
would like to use from the 
PRODUCT/ ULT-ORIENTED 
OPEN-ENDED We’re all making butterflies 
all make our snowmen out of the clay. We’re going to make a bus out of these shapes. T 
circles are the wheels. The squares are th 
- Glue all around here where I put the glue. 
- Can you make a nice flower for your mom? 
picture of the bo 
The sun is yellow. 
- I cut out these witches for you to glue yarn on for hair. 
you forgot to draw the arms on the boy. 
- See if you can make one just like mine. 
Clay is fun to roll and smoosh flat. I wonder what kinds of things you will make with your clay today? 
kinds of shapes of paper. You can glue them together and come up with some interesting designs or pictures if you’d like. 
- The paints are all out. You can choose which colors you would like to use, and if you would like a thick brush or a thin brush to work with. You can pick whatever you 
art shelf, and create whatever you want. Let me know if you would like me to put your words on your work when you are finished.
- You can use the scissors tocut either paper or the 
f you 
Seasonal Art Ideas: 
- colored pipe 
- 
- al containers to 
- 
- kie 
- 
shells, 
- the season to 
- wrapping 
- 
- Make ‘stencils’ out of butter 
tub lids by tracing seasonal 
shapes and cutting them out 
Tie 2-5 crayons (of holiday 
or seasonal colors) together 
to draw with, if they choose. 
magazines in the art area. There is also glue i 
decide you want to glue them. 
Put out holiday- 
cleaners /or confetti Add holiday/seasonal colors to shaving cream 
- Use holiday shaped pasta for collages 
- Put holiday/seasonal colors out at the easel Use season 
hold collage materials for variety and to renew interest Cut holiday/seasonal shapes out of sponges Put holiday/seasonal coo 
cutters in with the playdough Use seasonal items from nature to paint with or in 
of the plastic lids. 
- 
your media table (pinecones, corncobs, leaves, 
etc.) Key into nature! Add smells of 
your playdough or paints (pumpkin spice in the fall, cinnamon in the winter, etc.) Put scraps of 
paper in the art area. Color the glue a holiday- related color.
Additional Resources on 
Creative, Open-ended Art – 
isplay – Great Ways to Showcase 
Author Unknown, “On D 
Children’s Creations”, Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 
ing 
February 1997, Page 43 Lowenfeld, Victor. “What You Don’t Learn from Color 
an Elephant. What About Color Books?”, Texas Child 
Care Quarterly, issue – unknown, Pages 58-59 Swanson, Lou. “Changes – How Our Nursery School Replaced Adult-Directed Art Projects With Child-Directed 
Experiences and Changed to an Accredited, Child-Sensitive 
Developmentally Appropriate School”, Young Children, 
e 
May 1994, Pages 69 – 73 erez, Jeannine. “100 Ways to Paint a Pictur ”, First 
P 
Teacher, January/February 1997, Page 26 haw-Perry, Eunice. “Creative Minds 
S”, Early Childhood 
Today, February 1997, Pages 36 – 45 Armstrong, Thomas. “Seeing Things in New Ways”, 
Early Childhood Today, February 1997, Pages 32 – 35
eas 
Staff Training Id 
on Open-ended Art: 
Experiencing Apples Materials Needed: 3 – 4 apples. A ditto of a picture of an apcrayons, a knife, pens, paper, 3 ta 
ple, 
bles for staff to sit at. 
Directions for Activity: One table can only color the ditto of anapple; one table can only look at the apples – but cannot touch em; the third table can experience the apples any way they 
l, etc.; which table would 
ave more language development; meaningfulness and relevance 
ve memories that 
th 
choose (cut them up, smell, etc.) Groups then write down what they learned based on this experience only (not on any previous knowledge or experience ith apples.) 
w 
Discuss value of tactilel, taste, sme 
h 
o f each tables’ experience; which table will ha 
will last longer and why; etc… 
Rating Creative Art
Materials Needed: Copies of handout “How Creative is Your 
reative Art?”, 10 – 15 examples (good and not-so-good) of 
children’s artwork. (Be careful to offend with too many not-so-irections 
for Activity 
C 
good examples from one room or teacher) 
D : Staff must rate and categorize whether 
Painting with Hats/Helmets 
aterials Needed 
art is open-ended or teacher-directed. Discuss results, benefits. 
M : Easel paper, hardhat, paintbrush (taped onto a 
ardhat), paint, ductape 
h 
Direction for Activity: Have adults paint at easel with the hats that have the paintbrushes attached to them. Discuss experience 
nd appeal to children. 
aterials Needed 
a 
Gelatin Rainbows 
M : Clear Knox gelatin, small bowls (to use as 
olds), eye droppers, trays, food coloring and water 
mDirections for Activity: The day prior, make gelatin as per the directions on the box. Remove from bowls (upside down) onto 
ays. Dip droppers into food coloring and insert into gelatin. 
iscuss experience and appeal to children. 
Pla 
ou 
ow 
tr 
D 
ce several wallpaper sample books and collage materials t, and have participants create an original project on their n.
The activities listed above are for teachers to take back to 
their classrooms. Facilitating these activities hands-on with the 
adults gives them a better perspective and understanding of the 
experience for children.

More Related Content

Similar to Open ended art_activities

Chemistry experiments for kids at home
Chemistry experiments for kids at homeChemistry experiments for kids at home
Chemistry experiments for kids at homeBÜCHI Labortechnik AG
 
Parenting newslettermay2012
Parenting newslettermay2012Parenting newslettermay2012
Parenting newslettermay2012Small Miracles
 
Eggshell mosaic presentation
Eggshell mosaic presentationEggshell mosaic presentation
Eggshell mosaic presentationashfinyu
 
Crayons
Crayons Crayons
Crayons fuocoj
 
Creative flourish simple colour making from natural plant dyes
Creative flourish   simple colour making from natural plant dyesCreative flourish   simple colour making from natural plant dyes
Creative flourish simple colour making from natural plant dyesEllieB6
 
Kids Club Smilecatch / / Fun Activities For the Family
Kids Club Smilecatch / / Fun Activities For the FamilyKids Club Smilecatch / / Fun Activities For the Family
Kids Club Smilecatch / / Fun Activities For the FamilySmilecatch
 
Science Week Experiments
Science Week ExperimentsScience Week Experiments
Science Week Experimentsmhs2010
 
BPN Radical CommonSense Cookbook
BPN Radical CommonSense CookbookBPN Radical CommonSense Cookbook
BPN Radical CommonSense CookbookBPN
 
Kids Fun And Healthy Recipes For Parents!
Kids Fun And Healthy Recipes For Parents!Kids Fun And Healthy Recipes For Parents!
Kids Fun And Healthy Recipes For Parents!Nicolas606484
 
Editorial Samples
Editorial SamplesEditorial Samples
Editorial SamplesIvyTashlik
 
Earth day crafts
Earth day craftsEarth day crafts
Earth day craftsMChainani
 
Cooking with-kids-activity-sheets-us
Cooking with-kids-activity-sheets-usCooking with-kids-activity-sheets-us
Cooking with-kids-activity-sheets-usMary Fashingbauer
 
Turn your spent roses into a beautiful dye
Turn your spent roses into a beautiful dyeTurn your spent roses into a beautiful dye
Turn your spent roses into a beautiful dyeDerrin Cramer
 

Similar to Open ended art_activities (20)

Chemistry experiments for kids at home
Chemistry experiments for kids at homeChemistry experiments for kids at home
Chemistry experiments for kids at home
 
Parenting newslettermay2012
Parenting newslettermay2012Parenting newslettermay2012
Parenting newslettermay2012
 
Eggshell mosaic presentation
Eggshell mosaic presentationEggshell mosaic presentation
Eggshell mosaic presentation
 
Crayons
Crayons Crayons
Crayons
 
Crayons
CrayonsCrayons
Crayons
 
Creative flourish simple colour making from natural plant dyes
Creative flourish   simple colour making from natural plant dyesCreative flourish   simple colour making from natural plant dyes
Creative flourish simple colour making from natural plant dyes
 
Making natural paints
Making natural paintsMaking natural paints
Making natural paints
 
Hands on Minds on FLAEYC 2013
Hands on Minds on FLAEYC 2013Hands on Minds on FLAEYC 2013
Hands on Minds on FLAEYC 2013
 
Kids Club Smilecatch / / Fun Activities For the Family
Kids Club Smilecatch / / Fun Activities For the FamilyKids Club Smilecatch / / Fun Activities For the Family
Kids Club Smilecatch / / Fun Activities For the Family
 
C4K555.org Recipe Book
C4K555.org Recipe BookC4K555.org Recipe Book
C4K555.org Recipe Book
 
Science Week Experiments
Science Week ExperimentsScience Week Experiments
Science Week Experiments
 
BPN Radical CommonSense Cookbook
BPN Radical CommonSense CookbookBPN Radical CommonSense Cookbook
BPN Radical CommonSense Cookbook
 
Kids Fun And Healthy Recipes For Parents!
Kids Fun And Healthy Recipes For Parents!Kids Fun And Healthy Recipes For Parents!
Kids Fun And Healthy Recipes For Parents!
 
POP! Into the New Year
POP! Into the New YearPOP! Into the New Year
POP! Into the New Year
 
Scented putty
Scented puttyScented putty
Scented putty
 
Editorial Samples
Editorial SamplesEditorial Samples
Editorial Samples
 
Earth day crafts
Earth day craftsEarth day crafts
Earth day crafts
 
Gifts In A Jar
Gifts In A JarGifts In A Jar
Gifts In A Jar
 
Cooking with-kids-activity-sheets-us
Cooking with-kids-activity-sheets-usCooking with-kids-activity-sheets-us
Cooking with-kids-activity-sheets-us
 
Turn your spent roses into a beautiful dye
Turn your spent roses into a beautiful dyeTurn your spent roses into a beautiful dye
Turn your spent roses into a beautiful dye
 

More from acibachhop

Creativity and the_young_child
Creativity and the_young_childCreativity and the_young_child
Creativity and the_young_childacibachhop
 
Chapter3 - stage of artistic development
Chapter3 - stage of artistic developmentChapter3 - stage of artistic development
Chapter3 - stage of artistic developmentacibachhop
 
Devt stages of_art
Devt stages of_artDevt stages of_art
Devt stages of_artacibachhop
 
Creativity and the_young_child_2
Creativity and the_young_child_2Creativity and the_young_child_2
Creativity and the_young_child_2acibachhop
 
Young in art_devt_stages
Young in art_devt_stagesYoung in art_devt_stages
Young in art_devt_stagesacibachhop
 
Chivalric education
Chivalric educationChivalric education
Chivalric educationacibachhop
 
Greek Education
Greek EducationGreek Education
Greek Educationacibachhop
 
Johnlocke fenelon
Johnlocke fenelonJohnlocke fenelon
Johnlocke fenelonacibachhop
 
John baptist de la salle
John baptist de la salleJohn baptist de la salle
John baptist de la salleacibachhop
 
Francois fenelon
Francois fenelonFrancois fenelon
Francois fenelonacibachhop
 

More from acibachhop (11)

Creativity and the_young_child
Creativity and the_young_childCreativity and the_young_child
Creativity and the_young_child
 
Chapter3 - stage of artistic development
Chapter3 - stage of artistic developmentChapter3 - stage of artistic development
Chapter3 - stage of artistic development
 
Devt stages of_art
Devt stages of_artDevt stages of_art
Devt stages of_art
 
Creativity and the_young_child_2
Creativity and the_young_child_2Creativity and the_young_child_2
Creativity and the_young_child_2
 
Critic of art
Critic of artCritic of art
Critic of art
 
Young in art_devt_stages
Young in art_devt_stagesYoung in art_devt_stages
Young in art_devt_stages
 
Chivalric education
Chivalric educationChivalric education
Chivalric education
 
Greek Education
Greek EducationGreek Education
Greek Education
 
Johnlocke fenelon
Johnlocke fenelonJohnlocke fenelon
Johnlocke fenelon
 
John baptist de la salle
John baptist de la salleJohn baptist de la salle
John baptist de la salle
 
Francois fenelon
Francois fenelonFrancois fenelon
Francois fenelon
 

Recently uploaded

Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfsanyamsingh5019
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeThiyagu K
 
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityParis 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityGeoBlogs
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon AUnboundStockton
 
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxMENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxPoojaSen20
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...EduSkills OECD
 
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptxIntroduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptxpboyjonauth
 
“Oh GOSH! Reflecting on Hackteria's Collaborative Practices in a Global Do-It...
“Oh GOSH! Reflecting on Hackteria's Collaborative Practices in a Global Do-It...“Oh GOSH! Reflecting on Hackteria's Collaborative Practices in a Global Do-It...
“Oh GOSH! Reflecting on Hackteria's Collaborative Practices in a Global Do-It...Marc Dusseiller Dusjagr
 
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionmicrowave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionMaksud Ahmed
 
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxEmployee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxNirmalaLoungPoorunde1
 
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsPresiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsanshu789521
 
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991RKavithamani
 
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdfBASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdfSoniaTolstoy
 
Hybridoma Technology ( Production , Purification , and Application )
Hybridoma Technology  ( Production , Purification , and Application  ) Hybridoma Technology  ( Production , Purification , and Application  )
Hybridoma Technology ( Production , Purification , and Application ) Sakshi Ghasle
 
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Celine George
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentInMediaRes1
 
PSYCHIATRIC History collection FORMAT.pptx
PSYCHIATRIC   History collection FORMAT.pptxPSYCHIATRIC   History collection FORMAT.pptx
PSYCHIATRIC History collection FORMAT.pptxPoojaSen20
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxVS Mahajan Coaching Centre
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityParis 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
 
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxMENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
 
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptxIntroduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
 
“Oh GOSH! Reflecting on Hackteria's Collaborative Practices in a Global Do-It...
“Oh GOSH! Reflecting on Hackteria's Collaborative Practices in a Global Do-It...“Oh GOSH! Reflecting on Hackteria's Collaborative Practices in a Global Do-It...
“Oh GOSH! Reflecting on Hackteria's Collaborative Practices in a Global Do-It...
 
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionmicrowave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxEmployee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
 
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsPresiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
 
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
 
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdfBASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
 
Hybridoma Technology ( Production , Purification , and Application )
Hybridoma Technology  ( Production , Purification , and Application  ) Hybridoma Technology  ( Production , Purification , and Application  )
Hybridoma Technology ( Production , Purification , and Application )
 
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
 
PSYCHIATRIC History collection FORMAT.pptx
PSYCHIATRIC   History collection FORMAT.pptxPSYCHIATRIC   History collection FORMAT.pptx
PSYCHIATRIC History collection FORMAT.pptx
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
 
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
 

Open ended art_activities

  • 2. “All young children are great artists. The importance of their art is in the act of creating with confidence and in using their imaginations. It is our sacred trust not to take away this gift from our children, but to encourage and nurture it at every opportunity.” ~ Susan Striker
  • 3. AArrtt RReecciippeess Non-Hardening No Cook Playdough 2 cups self-rising flour 1 T. Alum 2 T. Salt 2 T. cooking oil 1 cup plus 2 T. boiling water Mix and knead. (Due to boiling water, cannot be made with the children) Dry Salt Paint 1 cup salt ½ tsp food coloring Spread in pan to dry. Put in shakers. Shake onto paper brushed with glue. Cooked Playdough 1 cup flour ½ cup salt 1 cup water 1 T. vegetable oil 1 tsp cream of tartar Heat until ingredients form a ball. Add food coloring. Finger Paint 1 cup elastic dry starch 1 cup cold water 3 cups boiling water 1 cup Ivory Snow Flakes oil of cloves (few drops) vegetable coloring Dissolve elastic starch in cold water. Smooth lumps and add boiling water. Stir constantly. Thicken but do not boil more than 1 minute. Add rest of ingredients. Use on glazed paper or wrapping paper. Soap Bubbles 1 cup water 2 T. liquid detergent 1 T. glycerin ½ tsp. Sugar Mix all ingredients. Use bubble wands to blow bubbles. Sawdust Modeling 4 cups sawdust 1 cup wheat paste 2 ½ cups water. Mix. Add color. ca00
  • 4. Easy Playdough 2 cups flour 1 cup salt tempera paint water Mix flour, salt and paint with enough water to make the correct consistency. Sally’s Playdough Recipe 1 cup flour 1 cup water 1 T. oil 1 T. alum ½ cup salt 2 T. vanilla food coloring Mix all dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches the consistency of mashed potatoes. Remove from heat, add vanilla and color. Divide into balls and knead in color. Paste ½ cup flour ½ cup water Clean Mud 4 rolls of toilet paper (torn) 3 bars Ivory Soap (shaved) 1 gallon warm water ½ tsp. bleach large tub Place torn toilet paper in tub. Add grated soap. Add warm water. Mix and knead.Add water when dry. Gak Mix equal parts white glue to liquid starch. (Gak has the texture and consistency of Silly Putty) Goop ½ cup cornstarch ¼ cup water food coloring Mix in media table. Let children explore texture – it is wet, but feels dry to the touch. Puffy Paint Mix equal parts of flour, salt, water, liquid tempera (for color). Put in squeeze container. Use on heavy paper. ca00
  • 5. Scribble Cookies Put old stubby crayons in muffin tins (lined with cupcake papers) Place in warm oven. Let melt. Pop out of paper when cool. Sparkly Salt Paint 2 cups salt ½ cup liquid starch 1 cup water tempera paint or food color Thoroughly mix liquid starch, salt, and water. Slowly add food coloring or tempera powder. Use as paint. Pictures will sparkle when the salt paint dries. Dry Sand Paint ½ cup sand (washed, dried) 1 T. powdered paint Mix. Put into a shaker Shake onto glue on paper Face Paint 2 T. cold cream ½ tsp glycerin 1 T. cornstarch 1 tsp dry tempera paint Pixie Dust Glitter Confetti Flour Sugar Mix together. Sprinkle! Potters Clay ½ cup flour ½ cup cornstarch 1 cup salt 3 ½ cups boiling water Dissolve salt in boiling water. Add cornstarch, mix, cook until clear. Cool overnight. Add 6-8 additional cups flour until not sticky. Soapsuds Clay ¾ cup soap powder 1 T. warm water Mix well. Modeling Goop 2 cups salt 1 cup water 1 cup cornstarch Cook salt and ½ cup water 5 min. Add rest, cook until thickens
  • 6. Colored Glue Mix food coloring, tempera or glitter into glue bottles. Cloud Dough 1 cup salad oil 6 cups flour 1 cup water food coloring or tempera Use just enough water to bind mixture. Knead. Cloud dough is soft, pliable and oily, but provides an unusual tactile experience. Oatmeal Dough 1 cup flour 2 cups oatmeal 1 cup water food coloring or tempera Mix flour and oatmeal, then add water gradually. Cornmeal may be added in place of oatmeal to vary the texture. Sidewalk Chalk ‘Plaster of Paris’ Tempera (for color) Mix. Pour into cupcake papers Pop out when dry. Baked Salt Dough 2 cups flour 1 cup salt Enough water to make a dough-like mixture. Flat objects can be baked at 300*F. for 1 hour. Paper clips in back before baking will serve as a hanger. Paint designs after baking. Hard-drying Clay 2 cups Baking Soda 1 cup cornstarch 1 ¼ cup water Mix cornstarch and baking soda. Add water. Blend thoroughly, then bring to a boil stirring constantly. At consistency of mashed potatoes, cool. Sculptures dry in 36 hours. Notes: Store ‘doughs’ in airtight plastic bags or containers. Children are to wash hands prior to use of shared group materials. Safety is paramount in cooking with children!!
  • 7. Growth and Learning through Manipulative Art Materials (doughs, clays and squeezables) Emotional Development Feelings of success and competency Sense of control Calming and soothing Stress reducing/ self behavior modifier Outlet for feelings Tension reliving Social Development Seen in all stages of play: Solitary Parallel Associative Cooperative Promotes sharing Builds social language Social ‘icebreaker’ Cognitive Development Causeeffect Part/whole relationships Special relationships Matching/comparing Language development Properties Physical Development Lg and small muscle develop. Fingerdexterity Pincher grip (pre-writing) Eye-hand coordination Establishment of handedness Musclestrength Creative Development Open-ended Creative expression/exploration Mallable/ changeable Individualism Development of imagination
  • 8. Guidelines for Open-ended Art - Never alter or ‘fix’ a child’s work - Provide a wide variety of interesting materials and choices - Add new materials weekly, incorporating your theme if possible - Never tell a child what to create - Emphasize the process, not the end product - Don’t ask “What is it?”; Say “Tell me about it” - Ask the child if and where he/she would like his name put - Let children explore materials - Let children come up with their own ideas and use materials creatively - Provide materials for 3-D and on-going artwork projects - Encourage, do not force participation - Do not do models or samples for the children - Throw away any colorbooks or dittos in the room - All materials should be at the children’s level, and accessible - Playdough and the art easel should be open the majority of each day - Encourage children to express feelings and personal experiences through art - Display art in a variety of ways – it should not all ‘match’ - Talk about texture, color, smell, shape, etc and the experience - Let the children be as independent as possible, and encourage self- help skills and responsibility in cleaning up art - Educate parents as to the value and learning in open-ended art - Teach and model appropriate use and respect of materials - Allow ample time for children to create and explore - Incorporate books on fine art in your classroom - Children should be doing their own cutting – it’s okay if a circle doesn’t remotely resemble a circle yet. This is how they develop these fine muscles – and makes it ‘their’ work and experience. - There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way, or end product. - The art area should have lots and lots of a variety of different collage materials, and always be an open, available choice for children cabraham
  • 9. WHAT CAN YOU SAY TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART?… “I see circles in your picture.” “You filled up the whole paper.” “Do you have a story you want to tell me about your picture?” “Would you like me to write something on your picture?” “Tell me about how you made the blue lines so smooth.” “I feel happy when I look at your picture. The colors are very bright.” “I can see you worked hard on that.” “You used red, yellow and orange in your picture.” “You’ve got all kinds of lines in your picture.” Remember – when we say something very specific about a child’s work, it is much more meaningful than an insincere “That’s beautiful!”… and shows that we are truly looking at what they did.
  • 10. How Creative is your “Creative Art?”… Is there a ‘right way’ or a ‘wrong way’?… Or is it open-ended? Do all the pieces look basically alike?… Or is every child’s piece original and unique? Does it require a great deal of teacher preparation or assistance? Or can the child work independently? Does the activity emphasize the end product? Or the process and experience? Does the child need to follow a predetermined outline? Or can the child express his/her own ideas and feelings? Is the experience ‘Teacher-directed’ and initiated? Or child directed and initiated? And finally… WHOSE HANDS ARE BUSIER – THE CHILD’S OR THE ADULT’S?
  • 11. Dear Mom and Dad, It may not look like much, but my scribbles are very important! Scribbling is the first step in learning to write, and I am developing the muscles I will need to hold a pencil! Sometimes a scribble is not just a scribble! Love, Your toddler
  • 12. For Added Variety: Tools to Paint With Paint brushes * sponges * combs * spools * tooth brushes * paint rollers * sticks * rag strips * cookie cutters * cooking utensils * q-tips * pine cones * scrub brushes * straws * string * yarn * medicine droppers * deodorant roll-top bottles * corncobs * crumpled paper * feathers * potatoes mashers * tongue depressors * Popsicle sticks * fingers * fruits/vegetables * dental floss * marbles * rubber spatulas * fly swatters * koosh balls * spray bottles * golf balls * large beads * cotton balls * evergreen swags * plastic play animal ‘feet’ (prints) * wheels * old mascara brushes * pipecleaners * corks * bubble wrap * nail polish brushes * kitchen basting brushes * baby bottle brushes Surfaces on Which to Paint All kinds of paper – colored, computer, newsprint, manila, giftwrap, waxed paper, old newspapers, typing paper, tagboard, butcher paper, posterboard, construction paper, fingerpaint paper, easel paper, etc Lunch bags * cloth * foil * corrugated cardboard * large tile squares * rocks * bark * boards * sidewalks * windows * mirrors * plastic coffee lids * styrafoam meat trays * old placemats * burlap * coffee filters * boxes * magazines * wallpaper * comic strips * old phone books * plexiglas * screens * window shades * envelopes * paper plates * paper towels * canvas * paper towel tubes * tissue paper * bubble wrap * doilies * suede * old shower curtains * sheets * vinyl * cellophane * fabric * T-shirts * pieces of wood * clay creations * tin * ceiling tiles * paper grocery bags cabraham00
  • 13. Mixers to Add Variety to Paint Texture Sand * coffee grounds * baby powder * detergent powder * water (to change consistency) * rice * glitter * sugar * cornmeal * salt * oatmeal * soap flakes * baking powder * syrup * cooking oil * shaving crème * glue * confetti * Media For at the Easel Finger paint * tempera paint (with a variety of textures – see above) * Watercolors * diluted food coloring * berry juices * dried up markers dipped in water * chalk * chalk dipped in water * shaving cream * crayons * oil sticks * colored pencils * markers (thick/thin)* highlighters * scribble cookies * several crayons tied together * spray bottles with diluted paint or colored water * graphite pencils * calligraphy pens * charcoal sticks * glitter pens * colored glue * stamp pads * paint brushes tied together Collage Materials Cut up straws * yarn * fabric scraps * magazines * greeting cards * ribbon * tissue paper scraps * twine * glitter * egg shells * stamps * small wood scraps * confetti * packaging materials * bows * streamers * fringe * fake fur scraps * velvet * wrapping paper * Popsicle sticks * paper scraps * wallpaper books * pompom balls * googlie eyes * doilies * trim * colored pasta * cotton balls * q-tips * Easter grass * raffia * catalogs * buttons * sequins * feathers * felt * foil * lace * rickrack * seeds * shredded paper * dried flower petals * ceramic tiles * colored wire * spools * crepe paper * * beads * bread bag closures * All types of paper (listed above) Materials for 3-D Projects Milk cartons * Paper plates * Paper towel rolls * gift/shoe boxes * spools * frozen food trays * chicken wire * clothespins * coffee cans * shells
  • 14. Stages of Art Development Stage One: Manipulative Random attempts to manipulate various materials – scribbling, thick sweeps of paint strokes, pounding and squeezing of clay. Typically seen in children under 4 years, with focus on experiential and tactile. Stage Two: Patterning/Design Typically develops by age 4, experimentation with beginning to master materials. Children discovering lines, shapes, dots, spaces, and patterns. Stage Three: Naming/Symbolic Children able to make models or pictures representing things, often with object in mind as they begin the process. Stage Four: Representation Develops around age 5 or 6, with children’s art actually resembling objects represented. Initially many details missing, with more detail as skill level and motor control develop. Art Elements: line, shape, form, color and texture. Principles of Visual Organization: unity, variety, balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, movement, repetition, pattern.
  • 15. Where to get Free Art Materials Alteration Shops/Tailors: - spools - fabric scraps - buttons - samples - remnants Builders/Carpet Floor Stores: - carpet samples - floor samples - tile samples - discontinued tile - packaging materials - old wallpaper sample books - paint swatches - large tubes (packaging) - wood scraps - discontinued knobs and handles Photography Stores: - empty film canisters - mis-cut mapboard - centers from mapboard frames - old promotional pictures Copy/Print Shops: - computer paper - scrap paper - mis-printed envelops, stationary, forms - ends of paper rolls - packaging materials - pads of paper ‘ends’ - ‘punches’ from paper that has been 3-hole punched
  • 16. What message does a child get from Teacher – directed product art and craft activities: The adult’s ideas are more important than mine. In comparison, someone else’s work is always better than mine. Different is not better - all being the same is the goal. Art is not about expressing myself or my ideas. I can’t do it right. If it’s good my Teacher will like it – and me. I don’t have to think – just do what my Teacher says. I don’t know what to do unless the Teacher tells me.
  • 17. This is not about me or about what I want to do. ““AAllll cchhiillddrreenn aarree aarrttiissttss,, aanndd iitt iiss aann iinnddiiccttmmeenntt ooff oouurr ccuullttuurree tthhaatt ssoo mmaannyy ooff tthheemm lloossee tthheeiirr ccrreeaattiivviittyy,, tthheeiirr uunnffeetttteerreedd iimmaaggiinnaattiioonnss,, aass tthheeyy ggrrooww oollddeerr.. BBuutt tthheeyy ssttaarrtt ooffff wwiitthhoouutt sseellff-- ccoonnsscciioouussnneessss aass tthheeyy ppaaiinntt tthheeiirr ppuurrppllee fflloowweerrss,, tthheeiirr aannaattoommiiccaallllyy iimmppoossssiibbllee ppeeooppllee,, tthheeiirr tthhuunnddeerroouuss,, ssuullpphhuurroouuss sskkiieess.. TThheeyy ddoonn’’tt wwoorrrryy tthhaatt tthheeyy mmaayy nnoott bbee aass ggoooodd aass DDiiCChhiirrccoo oorr BBrraaccqquuee;; tthheeyy kknnooww iinnttuuiittiivveellyy tthhaatt iitt iiss ffoollllyy ttoo mmaakkee ccoommppaarriissoonnss,, aanndd tthheeyy ggoo aahheeaadd aanndd ssaayy wwhhaatt tthheeyy wwaanntt ttoo ssaayy..””
  • 18. - Madeleine L’Engle Maybe Tomorrow He could soar to the highest mountains, by Lindy T. Redmond He could dream in his mind He could nurture his talents, “Me do it,” said the 2 year old, His gifts he could now fine. “Mom, me will do it now,” “Oh no, my dear,” she replied, The teacher came into his room “I must show you how!” And greeted everyone “Let me try it,” he called at 3 “Take out your crayons and paper, “Let me make my bed,” we’re going to have some fun.” “No, you will have lumps in it, “Use this tracer to make a bunny Color this instead.” And neatly print your name, They’ll all be brown with long ears, So she placed the coloring book They’ll all look just the same.” Near him on the table, “Now try to color in the lines The best you are able.” “But I don’t want my bunny “But Mom, I want to draw the world To stand up straight and tall And all the butterflies, I want him crouched among the grass I want to make the mountains tall, And to be white, that’s all.” And make rainbows in the skies.” “They’ll be nicer if we keep Them looking alike too, “Color carefully,” she replied,``` Now please sit down start your work And color the flowers red, We’ve got a lot to do.” Color the sky all light blue Stay in the lines,” she said. And as the 4 year old one day So slowly he took his seat, His shoes he tried to tie, His eyes had lost their thrill, His father said, “I’ll teach you how He now knew just what he’d face, And later YOU can try.” Monotony and drill. “Maybe later,” thought the lad, And so it was, from birth to 5, “She’ll let me make my own, The others told him HOW, Maybe tomorrow I can paint They gave him restraints and set the laws My picture all alone.” Of what they would allow. Then one day the yellow bus So on the next clear morning, Came right up to his door, They took their crayons out, The little boy thought for sure “Oh boy, I’ll make the sky orange That NOW he could explore. I’ll be different, without a doubt.” “Color carefully,” she replied, He now could dream and imagine “And color the flowers red,
  • 19. And experiment on his own, Color the sky light blue He could paint HIS colors Stay in the lines,” she said. And investigate all alone. “Maybe tomorrow, maybe never.” Thought the boy as he colored the sky light blue. 1. Provides a means of communication and expression 2. Serves as an emotional release 3. Heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity 4. Develops and promotes creative thinking 5. Develops an appreciation for individuality 6. Serves as a balance in classroom activities 7. Assists in the development of physical coordination 8. Strengthens self-concept and self confidence 9. Increases self understanding 10. Enhances the ability to visualize 11. Helps develop fine motor skills 12. Provides opportunities for problem- solving and decision making 13. Provides insight and assists the adult in understanding the child 14. Develops self-help skills 15. Illustrates cause and effect
  • 20. This is a reminder that to children, the process is much more important than the finished product… GENUIS AT WORK The artist bend over his easel And took up his palette and brush He sketched in the curve of an outline In colors both vivid and lush. I watched him add highlights and shadows With deftness and delicacy, Convinced that no Ruebens of Titan Worked with greater concentration than he. He splashed on a bit of ripe crimson. He blended in scarlet and maize. Then at length he leaned back from his canvas And appraised it with critical gaze. Slowly he turned and presented That completed creation of his. “See, Teacher! My pictures all finished. Now help me decide what it is.” - Adelaide Holl
  • 21. I am learning through art! In the Art Area I am expressing myself and being creative. I am using my small muscles and am developing eye-hand coordination. I am seeing cause and effect, and the different properties of my materials. All of my creations are unique and special –
  • 22. like me! Creative, Visually Appealing Ways to Display Children’s Artwork /Projects Í Have a variety of different types of art and mediums. Mix it up – stay away from a bulletin board with just fingerpainting or just collages. When the art displayed is diverse, each piece looks even more unique. Í Incorporate real photographs of the children working on the art or projects. This helps the children remember doing the work displayed, adding more opportunities for language development, and gives parents additional insight as to the process involved. Í Add dictation. The children’s words describing their work (or some other aspect) should accompany the art as well. Í Include 3-D pieces. This adds dimension to your display. Think of interesting or unusual ways for the children to “frame” their work if they would like. (mirrors, pap Í er Í m hape. Í Í Í s more. Often those really nice, colorful teacher borders take away from the children’s work – which plates, contrasting paper, corrugated cardboard, hanging, etc) Chronicle a project (with pictures and dictation) fro start to finish. Show a how project evolves and takes s Í Place as much as possible at the child’s eye level. The blue “Tacky-tape” (sticky, gum-like moldable adh esive) typically is kindest on painted walls, and is least likely to remove paint when artwork is taken down. If you want to put a “title” on the bulletin board as a header, stay away from “cutesy” plays on words. Those are adult-oriented, and over the children’s heads. Get input from the children. If it is right before Halloween, and the various creations are about spiders, a heading like “Our Spider Project” or “What We Know About Spiders” is appropriate. Sometimes less i
  • 23. should be the focus. PROCESS/ AD - Watch how I do this. Let’s - he rectangle goes here. The e windows. - Color in the lines so your y looks nice. - - That is a nice picture, but He needs arms. - today for art. - - Here is a container with all - would like to use from the PRODUCT/ ULT-ORIENTED OPEN-ENDED We’re all making butterflies all make our snowmen out of the clay. We’re going to make a bus out of these shapes. T circles are the wheels. The squares are th - Glue all around here where I put the glue. - Can you make a nice flower for your mom? picture of the bo The sun is yellow. - I cut out these witches for you to glue yarn on for hair. you forgot to draw the arms on the boy. - See if you can make one just like mine. Clay is fun to roll and smoosh flat. I wonder what kinds of things you will make with your clay today? kinds of shapes of paper. You can glue them together and come up with some interesting designs or pictures if you’d like. - The paints are all out. You can choose which colors you would like to use, and if you would like a thick brush or a thin brush to work with. You can pick whatever you art shelf, and create whatever you want. Let me know if you would like me to put your words on your work when you are finished.
  • 24. - You can use the scissors tocut either paper or the f you Seasonal Art Ideas: - colored pipe - - al containers to - - kie - shells, - the season to - wrapping - - Make ‘stencils’ out of butter tub lids by tracing seasonal shapes and cutting them out Tie 2-5 crayons (of holiday or seasonal colors) together to draw with, if they choose. magazines in the art area. There is also glue i decide you want to glue them. Put out holiday- cleaners /or confetti Add holiday/seasonal colors to shaving cream - Use holiday shaped pasta for collages - Put holiday/seasonal colors out at the easel Use season hold collage materials for variety and to renew interest Cut holiday/seasonal shapes out of sponges Put holiday/seasonal coo cutters in with the playdough Use seasonal items from nature to paint with or in of the plastic lids. - your media table (pinecones, corncobs, leaves, etc.) Key into nature! Add smells of your playdough or paints (pumpkin spice in the fall, cinnamon in the winter, etc.) Put scraps of paper in the art area. Color the glue a holiday- related color.
  • 25. Additional Resources on Creative, Open-ended Art – isplay – Great Ways to Showcase Author Unknown, “On D Children’s Creations”, Scholastic Early Childhood Today, ing February 1997, Page 43 Lowenfeld, Victor. “What You Don’t Learn from Color an Elephant. What About Color Books?”, Texas Child Care Quarterly, issue – unknown, Pages 58-59 Swanson, Lou. “Changes – How Our Nursery School Replaced Adult-Directed Art Projects With Child-Directed Experiences and Changed to an Accredited, Child-Sensitive Developmentally Appropriate School”, Young Children, e May 1994, Pages 69 – 73 erez, Jeannine. “100 Ways to Paint a Pictur ”, First P Teacher, January/February 1997, Page 26 haw-Perry, Eunice. “Creative Minds S”, Early Childhood Today, February 1997, Pages 36 – 45 Armstrong, Thomas. “Seeing Things in New Ways”, Early Childhood Today, February 1997, Pages 32 – 35
  • 26. eas Staff Training Id on Open-ended Art: Experiencing Apples Materials Needed: 3 – 4 apples. A ditto of a picture of an apcrayons, a knife, pens, paper, 3 ta ple, bles for staff to sit at. Directions for Activity: One table can only color the ditto of anapple; one table can only look at the apples – but cannot touch em; the third table can experience the apples any way they l, etc.; which table would ave more language development; meaningfulness and relevance ve memories that th choose (cut them up, smell, etc.) Groups then write down what they learned based on this experience only (not on any previous knowledge or experience ith apples.) w Discuss value of tactilel, taste, sme h o f each tables’ experience; which table will ha will last longer and why; etc… Rating Creative Art
  • 27. Materials Needed: Copies of handout “How Creative is Your reative Art?”, 10 – 15 examples (good and not-so-good) of children’s artwork. (Be careful to offend with too many not-so-irections for Activity C good examples from one room or teacher) D : Staff must rate and categorize whether Painting with Hats/Helmets aterials Needed art is open-ended or teacher-directed. Discuss results, benefits. M : Easel paper, hardhat, paintbrush (taped onto a ardhat), paint, ductape h Direction for Activity: Have adults paint at easel with the hats that have the paintbrushes attached to them. Discuss experience nd appeal to children. aterials Needed a Gelatin Rainbows M : Clear Knox gelatin, small bowls (to use as olds), eye droppers, trays, food coloring and water mDirections for Activity: The day prior, make gelatin as per the directions on the box. Remove from bowls (upside down) onto ays. Dip droppers into food coloring and insert into gelatin. iscuss experience and appeal to children. Pla ou ow tr D ce several wallpaper sample books and collage materials t, and have participants create an original project on their n.
  • 28. The activities listed above are for teachers to take back to their classrooms. Facilitating these activities hands-on with the adults gives them a better perspective and understanding of the experience for children.