Art Creative Center

Rochelle Anderson

In an art center, you need 2-5 different types of materials in each of these categories:

Paints (2-3) Collage materials (3-5) Drawing Art tools 3-D materials for building up and out

PaintingThere are three different art forms that are applications of this art form Tempura Water colors And finger painting

Paint cont. Tempura Paint Tempura paint is thick and is often used on

larger surfaces such as easels, and it is best suited for using large brushes or other tools. Painting with tempura paint involve the use of large muscles (shoulders, arms and back) and small muscles ( the hands)

For young children, offering two to three different colors, and preferably primary colors.

Keeping smocks or aprons available will help keep the children clean.

Painting cont. Water Colors

Once children are experienced with tempura painting, water colors are the next step because it requires more hand control.

Demonstrate how to wet the paint brush and dip in the paint to keep the child from getting the brush too wet and diluting the color.

Keep a clean container of water and paper towels available to clean the brush after each color of paint.

Painting cont. Finger-painting Finger painting is a multi sensory activity that

encourages uninhibited use of materials and emotional release.

Children can use paper, or on a clean table surface You can use colored shaving cream, tempura paint,

corn syrup and food coloring and many others. Finger-painting can be difficult for certain children

that don’t like to get dirty or have disabilities. The option for that is a Ziploc bag.

Collages There are many different mediums and materials

that can be used for collages Collages are considered 3-D creations Torn paper, sequence, buttons, feathers,

magazine pictures, photographs, etc..

Drawing Children can use many different items to

draw with, such as crayons, pencils, pens, chalk, and markers.

Chunky crayons are best for young children because they are easy to hold.

Art Tools Art tools vary depending on age.• There is glue,• scissors• Cookie cutters for playdoh• Paint brushes• Smocks• Paper• Easels• Colored pencils, crayons,

paint, and markers.

3-D Materials When creating 3-D items, children are

creating objects with depth, height, and solidity.

Young children start with playdoh while using tools such as rolling pins, cookie cutters and other objects.

Older children can advance to modeling clay.

Item #3 Developing the coordination needed for

writing Gaining experiences with symbols Developing a sense of beauty and wonder Learning about form, symmetry, balance

and design Learning about shapes and patterns Creating, feeling successful, competent

D4. Experiment with a variety of art materials (e.g., paint, markers, crayons, pencils, dough)You may notice the child: 18-36 months Scribble using a variety of art materials such as markers,

chalk, water colors, and finger paints. Create drawings, paintings, models, and other art creations

by experimenting with a variety of art materials.Strategies include: Allow open ended exploration each day. Talk about what the child is doing while engaging in an art

activity. (page 39)The teacher can help by: sharing and discussing with child colorful illustrations in

books and magazines.

D10. Understand and develop the vocabulary to share opinions about artistic creations and experiencesYou may observe the child: 48 months + Take the time to select a certain piece of

construction paper based on color or texture. Begin to add detail to their art creationsThe teacher can help by: sharing and discussing with child colorful

illustrations in books and magazines. Providing the child with various art material

#4 Older children should have opportunities to extend art

activities, over time, with multi-step projects.

Art materials should be available to preschool children, everyday, but children should not be required to participate in art activities!

Teachers must closely supervise toddlers and children with disabilities.

Art materials must be non-toxic, safe!

4-1a Physical Development Art activities provide experience and

practice in developing and refining gross motor, or large muscle skills.

Cutting, painting, and clay require children to use their wrists, hands and fingers.

Page 70

4-1b Social Development Infants develop a sense of trust rather

than mistrust Toddlers develop a sense of autonomy

rather than doubt or shame Preschoolers develop a sense of

initiative rather than guilt Page 74

4-1c Emotional Development Art helps Children disclose nonverbally

their deepest emotions through art. Allows children the opportunity to also

represent fantasy Negative emotions can be released in a

positive way through art.

4-1d Cognitive Development Young children are self motivated and

curious explorer’s They need materials to manipulate,

problems to solve, people, places and events to experience.

Page 77

#4 page 2 Toddlers should be offered at least 3 different art

materials at some point during the week. Older toddlers must have access to more than 3

different materials on a weekly basis and there should be variation within each material.

Children's art work should be put on display.