“Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.”
~Sydney Gurewitz Clemens
Have you ever wondered why some of the “art” in your child’s school cubby looks like nothing? Most likely, your child has proudly requested these scraps and bits be put in their bin to share with you later. Believe it or not, these pieces are vital art education experiences. Their creation required curiosity, focus, and much discovery.
This spring at Kinderberry Hill we’re diving deep into ART! Throughout our Wonder Lab Study, we’ll be exploring different mediums, artists, eras and more.
The purpose of art is to express ourselves. Children must first figure out what a medium does before they can create with it! This is where true art education begins.
- Every snip moves toward cutting shapes to represent their thoughts.
- Every hole in the paper is evidence of their learning about a medium on different surfaces.
- Every swirl of mixed-up paint shows learning about shades, thickness, and movement. With this exploration they can later keep colors true and represent their own ideas!
When children complete crafts that look a specific way, they follow steps and instructions. They are practicing direction following, and fine motor skills. While these experiences have value, they are not art education.
Authentic art education is offering children time to explore as they wish. When given space and freedom to mix colors, scribble in big circles, make a clay tower and smash it, the experience is so much more educational than simply following directions. This is when children begin the experience expressing themselves through art.
The Reggio approach believes children have 100 languages. This refers to the many ways children can express themselves and their ideas; painting, drawing, singing, sculpting, storytelling, building, dancing, writing, weaving, collage, and much more. This is why art is an integral part of our daily education at Kinderberry Hill.
How could your child benefit from open-ended art education? From child-led curriculum to outdoor classrooms, our unique approach to childcare will help your child have the very best start.
Contact us to schedule a tour today!
