Circles and lines on the easel in preschool

These children are given daily opportunity to paint at the easel…

This is a class of two year olds and for the longest time, the twos have been just using their time at the easel to mix the paint colors until all the paintings look like one big brown blob…

It is important to note that freely exploring and mixing paint colors is an important part of introducing the children to the easel. The children need time to explore the painting process and tools before they are ready to begin painting anything beyond the blob…

Because these young children have been exploring the easel most of the school year, we thought we would begin encouraging different kinds of strokes by commenting on what we see them doing as they paint. Today, the teacher focused on saying things like “you are making circles” or “I can see you have made a line.”

As the teacher commented on their paintings, the children naturally wanted to try the strokes again. In the end, most of the painting still ended up large blobs of color but what we noticed is that the children took more time with their paintings and painted more deliberately. Even when they painted with two hands…

Another observation I have made is that the children enjoy painting side-by-side so they can look and talk to each other as they paint…

I was once asked why easel painting should be encouraged. Easel painting is significant in several respects…

  1. The children paint standing up and looking at their canvas at eye level which brings a more real world perspective to their view as they paint.
  2. We tend to look up and out at our world most of the time rather than bending over and looking down like we do when painting on a table.
  3. The canvas itself is large and inviting.
  4. The easel invites children to explore and create without so many rules, limits, and structure that we as adults tend to provide in table painting experiences.
  5. Easel painting lends itself to many learning experiences and can be easily varied to include a variety of paint colors, paper, and tools.

The key to success is time and opportunity. Children first need time to explore the painting process and with each opportunity, they will become more proficient at handling the materials and become more purposeful in their creative expression.

For children who are not able to stand for long periods of time – make a simple tabletop easel for them to use ~ NAEYC Young Children

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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