Art in the Preschool

Art is important to all areas of the child's development. It is an important activity in itself and is an integral part of many planned preschool activities.

Physical development - small or fine motor skills, hand and eye-hand coordination, possibly large or gross motor skills as in painting at the easel or the use of arms, legs, or whole body.

Emotional development - expression of emotions and feelings through the use of certain art materials, pride in their art work, choosing their own activity or materials.

Social development- work within a group, share materials, respect materials and the work and feelings of others, learn responsibility, converse with others about their art process and product.

Intellectual development - explore and experiment with many materials and tools, learn concepts such as color, texture, shape and size, develop creativity, explore their world through creating art, in directed artwork the theme of the lesson is reinforced. Techniques for guiding art experiences

Be creative- provide lots of different art supplies throughout the year.

Provide time to explore and experiment, let them decide when they are finished. Do not encourage them to add to or change an art project.

Do not ask or assume you know what they are making, they may not know or they may change their mind in the process of creating.

Never add to or change their artwork!

Involve all 5 senses when possible.

Praise their work, display when possible. Allow them to take it home to show to family. Learn where art supplies are stored in the classroom, assist the child in neatly returning items to the correct place.

Use smocks when necessary. Clean hands when finished.

Teach the safe use of scissors . Do not force right or left handedness., let the child use what is comfortable. Allow lots of time to practice cutting - this is a difficult task.

Do not discourage them by making beautiful drawings, play dough figures, etc. that they could never imitate... let their artwork "shine". Never compare the artwork of students.

Observe the children as they participate in art activities. Their approach and mannerisms will tell you a lot about their personality. Their finished product can also provide insight to their talents, emotions, interests, experiences, and comfort level.

Interactive notebook activities:

*List 15 art supplies you might provide to the children for a variety of art activities.

*Choose 1 art project - describe how it promotes all of the four areas of development.