Creative arts project of preschoolers

Goals: I hope the children develop awareness of colors and shapes through this exercise as well as experience success from creating a piece of artwork that is their own.

Materials Needed: Construction paper, washable paints of different colors, painting smocks, Tupperware, disposable plates, lids, foam, sponges, buttons, toilet paper or paper towel rolls and other small objects of different shapes

Process/Teaching Strategies: To teach this lesson I would begin by explaining the different shapes of the items that the children will be using to paint. Each shape should be shown to the class and explained. The kids should be separated into small groups to share the paint and shapes. Each child should have a thick piece of black construction paper so that the paper is not easily torn. I would have bright paint colors such as white, blue, red, pink, purple, and yellow that would show up well on black paper.

How does this experience reflect your philosophy to support a child’s development? Art stimulates and develops imagination and refines cognitive and creative skills. Pre-school age children greatly accepting of most art forms. Art engages all the senses and involves a variety of methods including the kinesthetic, auditory, and visual. When children are encouraged in art activities early in life, they are getting a foundation for successful learning. Art teaches creativity, self expression and individualism. Giving children control over the process helps to produce confident decision makers and problem solvers. Children need to believe that their ideas and efforts are valued. At this age a teacher should emphasize the creative process rather than judge the quality of the product. Children at this age do not process the skills to produce a successful