Say YES to children's ideas
Characteristics of Process-focused Art Experience
- There are no step-by-step instructions
- There is no sample for children to follow
- There is no right or wrong way to explore and create
- The art is focused on the experience and on exploration of techniques, tools, and materials
- The art is unique and original
- The experience is relaxing or calming
- The art is entirely the children’s own
- The art experience is a child’s choice
- Ideas are not readily available online
What Children Do and Learn Through Process-focused Art
- Social and emotional
Children relax, focus, feel successful, and can express their feelings
- Language and literacy
Children may choose to discuss their art and add print to it (on their own or by dictating to a teacher)
- Cognitive
Children compare, predict, plan, and problem solve
- Physical
Children use small motor skills to paint, write, glue, use clay, and make collages
Resources
- Spotlight on Young Children and the Creative Arts, edited by Derry Koralek. This NAEYC publication focuses on both understanding and doing creative arts with young children.
- More Than Painting, Preschool and Kindergarten: Exploring the Wonders of Art, by Sally Moomaw and Brenda Hieronymus. This book provides many process art activity ideas.
- The Creative Arts: A Process Approach for Teachers and Children, by Linda Carol Edwards. A textbook format that provides a foundation for understanding process in art, music, and drama activities with young children.