Art is fundamental: Expressive principles for learners in the classroom and beyond
Mrs B Nell • February 5, 2021
In a modern era where technology dominates our daily routines, not enough time is allotted to the important aspects of life that replenish our souls such as spending quality time with family, exploring nature, building puzzles or expressing yourself through art.
Being a preschool teacher for the past decade, the impacts of young learners spending too much time being ‘plugged in’ and not getting messy, being creative and spending time drawing, doodling and colouring, have been staggering and evident.
This has led to an exponential increase in learners with sensory tactile defences, children with weakening pencil grips, low muscle tone and postures and less initiative or motivation to express themselves creatively.
What can we do about this calamity? Here are my principles for Art in the classroom and at home:
• Switch off
Limiting screen time is certainly public enemy number one! Be vigilant and consistent.
• Allow time for boredom
Boredom can be the mother of invention and the perfect opportunity for children to think of ways to entertain themselves or to be creative. Don’t fall for the “I am bored” trick!
• Create a purpose-built creative space
A space should permanently be available for children to be creative. Create your own ’doodle drawer’ or box with a variety of colourful materials readily available at a level that your children are easily able to access it.
• Variety is the spice of life
In your classes and at home, create opportunities for creative expression in a variety of ways by offering materials that are inviting and open ended. Art does not always have to be on paper. Box constructions, dough creations and collages are great way to stimulate creative expression.
• Mess is good
Do not limit your children in fear of a mess. A messy class or home is evidence of a growing creative mind that is not restricted by control.
• Everyone can be an artist
The wonderful forgiving fact about art is that beauty is in the eye if the beholder. There is no right or wrong when it comes to art – it is each child’s individual expression and unique point of view.
• Little or no guidance
Art should be a completely free activity with little or no guidance. Only offer advise if it is solicited and then only, give them verbal guidance. Never take over and do it for them. This only teaches them that you can do it and they can’t. Encourage and motivate them to complete their art independently, reminding them that it is their unique art and it is beautiful.
• Inspiration
Every artist needs to feel inspired. If the items provided do not inspire an idea, offer assistance by talking about the colours, placing a few items in a meaningful way or brainstorm a few ideas. Intrigue them particularly with themes that are of keen interest them. Fortunately, inspiration is easily sourced in creative books and Pinterest of course!
• Practise makes perfect
The more you expose your children to the enjoyment and satisfaction of being creative, the more they will develop their talents. They will be more attentive to the world around them until they cannot walk past an empty box without realising a world of opportunity in a simple object that is destined for the bin.
• For the boys
Boys as a rule are less interested in colouring, painting and expressing themselves artistically. Don’t despair, there are plenty opportunities for them too! Turn some toilet rolls into superhero cuffs and a long roll into a lightsaber! Don’t forget building with Lego is also an outlet for creativity!
• Quality time
When you are unable to engage your pre-schooler to be creative, grab a cup of tea and sit with them. Often children just want you to be with them to enjoy the process together.
Arty Farty Shmarty right? No, not at all! There are a multitude of spinoffs and benefits to early childhood art including fine motor control and perseverance, cognitive development, problem solving, visual perception development and building self-esteem.
Next time you wonder whether to purchase a remote-control car or a new PlayStation game, make the smart choice and invest in some colourful paints and tub of playdough!
Mrs B Nell
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