Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/10-ways-to-promote-artistic-expression/5027348/
Artistic expression is an alternative means of communication. For infants, toddlers, and young children, art provides a way of sharing thoughts, experiences, and emotions while gaining knowledge and skills. Encouraging artistic expression in classrooms and outdoor learning environments helps children make sense of their surroundings and who they are as individuals. Here are 10 ways to promote artistic expression in early care and education programs.
1. Emphasize the process.
Creativity is a process. The act of solving problems, making discoveries, and communicating ideas is more important for children than the products they produce.
2. Provide a wide variety of materials.
To maintain interest and pique curiosity, stock many types of materials appropriate for children’s ages and abilities. Supplement basic art supplies with natural items and recycled material that can be used as a base (paper, cardboard, Styrofoam tray, piece of wood, or plastic lid), medium (drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and creating collage) or tool (brushes, stamps, sponges, found items, plastic droppers, or safety scissors) for open-ended art experiences.
3. Provide ample time and space.
Offering children sufficient time and dedicated space to engage freely with an array of artistic materials conveys these important messages: there are many possibilities, and children are competent and capable of exploring and ...