Tweet
We make something for them to take home at least 3 days a week. If you count making mud pies, birds nests out of sticks, and leaf "soup" as arts and crafts, then we do it every day 
-
-
I only offer process art.
I REFUSE to do ANY crafts that take me more time and work to accomplish then the kids.
Art materials are out and available to the children throughout the day to choose to do when and how they wish.
I stay VERY close to the little ones, until they can fully grasp how to use materials properly, and put things away.
By 2, they are fully using the art area on their own.
I dont mean to keep putting in shameless plugs for my blog, but its easier for me to answer then typing it all out again.
So, here it is, if you'd like to read it....
http://mountaintopdaycare.blogspot.c...ay-crafts.html
Oh, Mel! That was lovely! You are a gifted writer as well as a lovely childcare provider, always managing to express what I am thinking much more eloquently than I can!Comment
-
Ditto! I see the vast majority of arts and crafts for children under 5 as being "finished art" meaning that an adult does 90% of the work so it's not even really theirs. Until a child is able to do 90% themselves they just do lots of painting, coloring, scribbling, chalk drawing and collage. I also explain this to the parents up front so they don't expect it! The only time I do a set craft is when they make cards for their parents for various occassions but the most I do is fold the paper and write what they want to say!Comment
-
Awesome!lovethis That is art! Art doesnt have to be something permanent either. Just arranging stones in the grass, or a lego sculpture can be art.
aww shucks. thanks! lovethis
Comment
-
My youngest is almost 3, so it's easier for me. We do a crafts project about 3 days a week and art (not counting coloring) about one. My kids love the crafts, though, so some weeks we'll do two or three in one day!
Comment
-
I am working very hard on moving over to the PROCESS side of art with the kids.
Sometimes I still want to do a little "crafting" with them, especially when it involves a handprint. And I have one dcg righ now who just loves the little cut-and-paste type crafts, but she likes painting too, so we do more of that now.
There are always crayons, colored pencils, scissors, glue, and paper available to the kids. We do some type of preschool activity every day but it usually only results in something to take home about once or twice a week. That is why I started my website/blog -- so I could feel good about showing the parents that our playing is purposeful and beneficial, even if they don't have a paper to show for it at the end of the day.Comment
-
I guess I have a different meaning of craft or art project when I see others post.
Daily I have centers that will always be open to the kids, but my 4 year old kids that are in my kinder program will learn to do a say as I do craft project.
I show them how to do it and they do it all on their own the best that they can. Its basically to teach them to learn to follow directions and wait to be told what to do. Just like they will have to do when they start school.
The younger kids don't participate in this activity...
We do tons of art type activities everyday when the kids feel up to itComment
-
I'm huge on bingo markers and stickers! I will set up the table for my 3+ with construction paper, bingo markers, crayons, stickers, scissors, and glue sticks. They make something different every time, and it is always awesome! sometimes I prepare cutouts in advance for them to use.
I do a lot of baked dough activities for holidays and let them decorate/paint them. Sometimes we paint things we find in the yard like pinecones, sticks, etc.
The best crafts for kids are the ones that don't all have to look the same when they are done. I want them to explore their creativity as much as possible.Comment
-
where do you come up with all of your ideas??
I love the paint tub with the egg beaters... can you tell me how you set this up and how do you clean it up or store it?
SOrry not trying to hijackComment
-
Pinterest has some amazing ideas!Comment
-
I think you can join pinterest with just an email address, but I'm not sure.
I do get alot of ideas form there, but I have a bit of a creative art streak as well. I had an AWESOME elementary art teacher who believed everything we did was beautiful. She is my inspiration. lovethis
The paint and egg beater is a perfect example of process art. I put out cornstarch and water and let them mix it themselves. I was actually aiming for a science lesson. The children then asked for paint, (we were actually outside in our big water table) so I gave them a few bottles, and some powder tempera I had as well. They spent most of the morning mixing and experimenting with color. Then they brought out big sheets of paper and laid them gently on top to make a print.
When you google the definition of art, this is what it says....
art/ärt/
Noun:
1.The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture,...: "the art of the Renaissance"
2.Works produced by such skill and imagination.
Now, I will never argue with a provider who offers preset crafts. They have their place. My school agers actually love them, and it keeps them busy...and quiet...
....during nap time. They really like paint by number and latch hooking.
All I'm saying is, they aren't art.
Could you imagine telling Michelangelo, VanGogh, or DaVinci where to place their googly eyes?
Comment
-
Can you imagine how they would all look if you let them "go at it" with those googly eyes? Too bad they didn't have googly eyes in the 15th century!:I think you can join pinterest with just an email address, but I'm not sure.
I do get alot of ideas form there, but I have a bit of a creative art streak as well. I had an AWESOME elementary art teacher who believed everything we did was beautiful. She is my inspiration. lovethis
The paint and egg beater is a perfect example of process art. I put out cornstarch and water and let them mix it themselves. I was actually aiming for a science lesson. The children then asked for paint, (we were actually outside in our big water table) so I gave them a few bottles, and some powder tempera I had as well. They spent most of the morning mixing and experimenting with color. Then they brought out big sheets of paper and laid them gently on top to make a print.
When you google the definition of art, this is what it says....
art/ärt/
Noun:
1.The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture,...: "the art of the Renaissance"
2.Works produced by such skill and imagination.
Now, I will never argue with a provider who offers preset crafts. They have their place. My school agers actually love them, and it keeps them busy...and quiet.......during nap time.
All I'm saying is, they aren't art.
Could you imagine telling Michelangelo, VanGogh, or DaVinci where to place their googly eyes?:
Comment
-
awesome!! thanks for responding..
LOL love this..Could you imagine telling Michelangelo, VanGogh, or DaVinci where to place their googly eyes?Comment
-
depends what kind of mood i'm in. But I have an art cubbie they can use any time. right now the rice table is the hottest item.Comment
Comment