Art in the Early Childhood Classroom

An art program is planned around the developmental needs of the child Sean age 1

Developmental Needs Social-emotional growth Self-concept and self-awareness Building relationships Mental development Arts Integration

Physical (motor) development Ability of children to use their bodies Large & small muscle development Large & small motor activities Eye Hand coordination

3 Developmental Levels/Stages

Three developmental stages of drawing Scribble stage-early and late Basic forms stage Pictorial or first drawing stage Scribble Basic Forms Pictorial

Tools for the scribble stage-drawing Safe easy to hold 1-3 large non-toxic unwrapped crayons large blank paper white paper to see the results newspaper (job ads) Yahel age 2

Tools for the scribble stage-painting 2-3 yo’s need 12 inch handles Paint that is thick (mix in dry soap) Heavier paper Easel and table Major value to experiment Gracie age 3

Tools for the basic forms stage Different tools due to increased hand-eye coordination and motor control tempera paint that flows easily large lead pencils variety of papers felt tip markers-nontoxic and water based smaller sizes of paper introduced large variety of color and paper textures

Tools for the pictorial stage Tools for easier control to make easy the expression of symbols and express their ideas with greater realism thinner crayons/paint varieties in color markers and other forms of art materials. Alexander age 4

The final form, the finished picture is only one aspect for children creating art. The others include helping children to: Express their thinking, knowledge and ideas Explore and try out, and create ideas with new and different kinds of media Experiment with colors, lines, forms, shapes, textures, and designs Express feelings and emotions Being creative

Create a painting that somehow represents an emotional experience… Your Assignment: Create a painting that somehow represents an emotional experience… Lin age 5

Pay attention to: Eye-hand coordination Motor skills being used Perspective of desk VS wall VS floor Feeling and/or emotions arising Self concept-self awareness

For next week: Read the articles on talking to children about their art