If you have been following the blog for any period of time, you know that we like to give the children a wide range of process art experiences. We use a lot of different types of tools and give the children freedom to choose materials. This becomes a bit trickier when the children are younger. They are not always able to articulate exactly what they would like to use or what they need.
So, with infants and toddlers, I tend to offer a set of supplies for them to explore. The art station is always available to them to make other choices, but typically I have a few selections available to them on the table.
During this particular exploration- I gave them each a container of white tempera paint. (I always add a little bit of dish soap to my paint. I know it says that it is washable, but the soap helps it wash out even better!)
The children are welcome to explore the materials in any matter they deem fit. I don't demonstrate, and I rarely create beside them. Some of the children choose to stand at the table, while others choose to sit.
Painting is very much a sensory experience for young children. Even if you do not give finger paint- the children typically move from whatever tool given to using and covering their hands and fingers.
This combination of tools creates quite an interesting product. The colored chalk dissolves a little bit and the color shows through the white paint. If/when the children figure this out, they continue to dip and draw, dip and draw. It does work on other colors of paper, but shows up best on black.
What tools have you been using to create lately?
I'd love to hear about it!
Comments