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.