Four-year-old Freya examined her trolley. He cut a short blue thread and brought it to the table. He then took a sheet of paper on which he made holes in which he threaded the ribbon, only to realize that the thread was not long enough. HOW TO CREATE AN ARTISTIC / CREATIVE AREA

Freya then cut a piece of yellow thread which she carefully tied to the blue one.

At the end of the activity, Freya had used five pieces of yarn, each a different color, to thread over the edges of her sheet of paper.

Only at the end, after filling the last hole, did she turn to her teacher for help on how to finish the activity.

Freya then searched her DIY cart and found a glossy brochure, flipped it through, picked out a few images and, after carefully cutting them, pasted it onto her wire-edged sheet. He observed the result at arm’s length, studying it with satisfaction.

Freya’s teacher learned how creative, competent and independent a child can be if the resources and tools are accessible in the creative area. Freya has shown the ability to create and follow her own plans – and pride in the accomplishment.

What aspects should we consider when deciding to create an artistic / creative area?

The art area should be close to a sink and have an easily washable floor.

All artistic tools must be visible and accessible to children so that they can choose what to use. It is therefore necessary to use specific shelving so that all objects can be visible but also tidy.

Tables and chairs are indispensable and allow children to concentrate on their work. The stands must be large enough to allow the instrument to be shared between 2 children. The creative area must contain an area where children can exhibit and observe their work.

“Our job, when it comes to creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible. Nobody can do more. “ Loris Malaguzzi

Observations on learning and development Communication and language  

Understanding 

• Children learn to follow instructions on how to set up or clean up creative projects.
• Children communicate thoughts and feelings through art.

Communication 

• The children discuss their projects and learn the words that serve to tell their experience.
• Children often think aloud as they create, giving adults the opportunity to observe their mental processes.
• Babies might make sounds of happiness – early speech – while busy with finger paint.

 Physical development 

Movement and manipulation 

• Young children get involved with the whole body, especially while painting.
• Children demonstrate great motor control through movements, as in painting.
• The control of fine motor skills is evident in the small movements and manipulation of the instruments.
• Children explore and manipulate a variety of tools: large and small brushes, sponges, stamps, hammer, rollers, scissors, crayons, glue, etc.
• Hand-eye coordination develops through painting and drawing.

Social, emotional and personal development 

Self-confidence and self-awareness’  ·

• Children are happy when they understand that they can create signs and repeat the action over and over again.
• At the workbench, constructive activity builds self-esteem.
• Children become confident when they choose activities or materials on their own.
• During creative activities, children can tell when they need or don’t need help.
• Children can take risks, learn by trial, and persevere.

Management of feelings and behaviors 

• By interacting at the art table or at the easel, children learn to share resources and respect each other’s work.
• An anxious child can gain confidence through creative activity. 

Literacy 

Writing

• Children can add letters or words to their drawings or ask teachers to write a sentence for them.
• Children can learn their signature to identify their chore.

Mathematics

 Shape, space and size

• Children create geometric patterns and talk about shapes.
• Mixing paints provide a discussion space tailored to size, quantity and proportion: a little, a lot, a lot more, less, two scoops in a cup of water, etc.
• Children often compare the size of the objects they have created. For example, they draw their family and discuss the size of family members, or compare the size of their wooden constructions. Through art, children explore the characteristics of everyday objects and shapes and use language mathematician to describe them.
• The awareness of the spaces is highlighted in the drawings, for example inside the house.

Understanding the world

 Technology

• Through the use of tools such as hammer, saw and drill, children begin to understand cause and effect, mechanical forces and physical properties of matter. 

Expressive arts and design

Exploration and use of media and materials

• Children explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with color, design, texture, form and function. For example, they are thrilled to find out what happens when they mix blue and yellow paint.

Fantasy

• Children who create 3D models of clay, wood or recycled objects are developing abstract forms of representation.
• Children represent their divergent ideas, thoughts and feelings through imaginative creative innovation.

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