Before rushing off to explore creative art activities, we often take a minute to explain the creative art activity during circle time…
The goal is to help the children connect the dots between the creative art activity and any concept we are exploring throughout the week…
Once the children get to the table, they will be able to freely explore the art materials but they will also have an understanding of what the materials are for and a general understanding of how to use the materials…
This teacher is showing the children how to make the rainy day pictures that I posted yesterday. She brainstorms with the children things they might like to draw by inviting their ideas through questions and conversation.
She demonstrates the drawing process and the rain making process so the children will have some understanding of what the materials are for when they go to the art table. While she is demonstrating this process, they continue to talk about the weather and particularly about rain…
And then she sends the children off to explore the activities that are available throughout the classroom. Those who choose to go to the creative art table will now explore the creative art process the teacher talked about during circle time on their own…
The teacher doesn’t explain every activity that the children explore but when the activity consists of certain steps or a specific process, she will provide some guidance or instruction before the children get started then give them the opportunity to explore and create on their own.