1. Sometimes a Smudge is just a Smudge…. But Sometimes It’s A Saber- Tooth Tiger!! Georgia CTAE Resource Network Instructional Resources Office July 2009

2. It’s About the Learning Process What’s really important is what the child learns while he creates his/her artwork We all may look at the same thing but come up with different interpretations of want we see There are many solutions to challenges or problems Uniqueness is good There is no right or wrong way to create art

3. Grownups Role in Inspiring Creativity Provide art supplies and materials for the child Create space for the child to create Demonstrate techniques (do not do the art for the child) Teach children how to use materials properly Encourage the process of art Respect and validate a child’s efforts Value the child’s art – display it in an honored place

4. Talk to the child about what he/she is doing Describe what you see: “I see that you used red here.” Talk about the child’s actions: “Some of your lines go up and down.” Ask about the process: “How did you make that color?” Ask open-ended questions: “What else can you do to your picture?” Encourage and support: “You worked a long time on your picture.”

5. www.americansforthewww.americansfortheart s.com Americans for the Arts reports that young people who consistently participate in wide-ranging arts are: 4x more likely to be recognized for academic achievement 3x more likely to be elected to class office within their schools 4x more likely to participate in a math and science fair 4x more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem

6. Short term benefits are impressive as well! Learn to find solutions to problems or challenges Improve fine motor skills Experiment and take chances Develop a richer vocabulary Appreciate art from different perspectives Develop a freedom to express ideas and feelings through color, line, shape, and form

7. Preschoolers ~ 3 to 4 years Sample art activities that promote learning: Help children develop language skills by reciting poems and finger plays. Number skills are developed through music (counting rhythm and beats when playing a musical instrument). Dance helps to build motor control, body relationships, and directionality. Spatial acuity is developed through drawing, sculpting, and other visual arts. Social skills are encouraged by group activities such as learning dance steps or singing songs.

8. What adults and children can do together in the arts: Pantomime characters from books read with children Imitate movements made by objects (such as cars) Construct collages using paper, glue, scissors, and magazine cut outs Hum tunes to familiar songs and allow children to add the lyrics that go with the melody Allow children to observe themselves in them mirror while dancing or acting out a story Take small groups of children to interactive performances and exhibits

9. Resources Abrakadoodle Art Education www.abrakadoodle.com www.abrakadoodle.com Beyond the Journal, Young Children on the web, July 2004 Arts Education Partnership http://aep-arts.org