Art has so many benefits for children especially as they get ready for kindergarten. They develop fine and gross motor skills as they grasp tools and test out different techniques or move around to gather materials. Look for activities that encourage children to cross their own midline with their arms or rotate their trunk (middle part of their body). Allowing children to use both hands will also support positive physical development. Vocabulary around shapes, colors and processes can also be introduced and explored. Creativity helps children develop problem solving skills and gives them outlets for expression beyond language.
Why focus on the process, not the product?
When there is no intended outcome for a project, children are more likely to engage and then begin to develop skills they need for success in school. In these projects, there is no right or wrong way to complete the work, which removes stress and hesitation. Process art in particular allows children to learn while experimenting with colors and techniques, it also helps in building skills in decision making and problem solving. When we follow a child’s interests, we are also demonstrating the value of that child’s ideas. When there is no intended outcome, caregivers often relax and allow children to take the driver’s seat. Process art also allows caregiver and child to bond as they create on equal levels side by side.
Who is this kit for?
This kit will allow library staff to present play-based, interactive programs on process art for young children, ages 2 to 7. However, consideration should also be given to adult caregivers bringing the children to your programs. As you use this kit, be mindful of the ways in which you’re being a role model to FFN as you engage young children in concepts by asking open-ended questions and encouraging experimentation.
Contents
- 15 plastic art trays
- 20 Liquid Droppers
- 20 Magnetic wands
- Washer and bolt set
- 8 Adaptive grips for accessibility
- One copy of each of the following books:
- Wonder Art Workshop: Creative Child-Led Experiences for Nurturing Imagination, Curiosity, and a Love of Learning by Sally Hauley
- Opposites Attract by Mo Willems
- What If by Samantha Berger
- How To by Julie Morstad
Resources
General
Conversation Starters – Discovering While Together (Bay Area Discovery Museum)
For more information about process art:
- https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/feb2014/process-art-experiences
- https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2019/03/process-art/
- https://tinkerlab.com/what-is-process-art-for-kids/
- The Bay Area Discovery Museum has conversation starters in multiple languages. Use the English ones provided at the back of this binder and/ or download other languages that are appropriate for your community. https://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org/resources/educator-resources/library-toolkit/posters
For Inspiration
- Creative Spaces and Family Engagement in Libraries (webjunction.org)
- https://librarymakers.blogspot.com/search/label/Toddler%20Art%20Class
Songs
