The Alphabet of Art: 9am and 10:30am Wonder Studio

"The objective of education is to increase possibilities for the child to invent and discover." (Piaget)

In Reggio Emilia, Italy, the educators there see Arts instruction very similar to learning a new language. It is a deconstructed process that begins with children discovering the "alphabet" of each medium.  


For example, we take the medium of collage and break it down into it's component parts.  Glue, Paper, Scissor.
This past week, we introduced the medium of glue itself.  I have found that most children enjoy the process of squeezing the glue out of it's bottle.

By slowing down the process, children are more easily able to begin a relationship with the medium.  They see it feels different than paint, not only does it cause their hands to be sticky, other things stick to it.  They can explore what happens if I add salt to it?  How does it move when I run my stick through it?  How does the pressure I apply to the glue bottle affect the amount of glue that comes out?

We must be very careful with our own approach to the arts.  The temptation to show our children what we "know" about these mediums is very hard to resist.   

Showing your child how to make an end product indicates that is the purpose of this medium.  To make an actual recognizable figure or picture that pleases someone else is a gratifying experience.  BUT...here at The Wonder Studio, the arts are seen as a form of communication.  A way to discover something about ourselves.

Some Ideas to offer to your child during class:

·        Offer advice on technique and correct usage of the materials.  (ex…“When you lift the brush out of the paint, give it a little swipe against the edge of the jar.  That makes the brush less drippy.” , “Small brushes are good for painting thin lines and making shapes.  Big brushes are good for thick lines and spreading color.  I’m thinking that a thin brush would work best for you right now, because you’re trying to paint lots of details.”)

  

 Offer a narrative of the children’s experience (“I see you’re poking the clay”, “You’re using the hammer to flatten the clay.”)

When you see a child losing interest or getting frustrated, offer an observation or suggestion (ex…“Would you like to add a color?  You began with one color;  I wonder what would happen if that color met another color?” or What would happen if you use just the tips of our fingers?  Your thumbs?)

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”

                                                                -Rachel Carson