Arts + Crafts: Fundamentals Part 3

Getting Started: My Story (continued)

      Sometimes I introduced the children to the various materials we were planning to use. We’d start brainstorming on what ideas they had and then let them loose to create. Other times it was simply putting out the materials and letting them have at it – no explanations, no expectations. And still other times we had directions and materials to create a specific product, but if someone wanted to take that idea out of the box – I let them (well, within reason).

     Personally I love crafts – scrapbooking, sewing, jewelry, embroidery, papermaking, quilting, etc. – and I feel it has lots of room for personal expression. To make something tangible takes a variety of skills as well as creativity. I’ve followed directions to the letter on some projects and with others I utilize the structured techniques to create something really unique. At the same time I delight in art with no boundaries. Drawing is a great example; with pencil and paper I’m free to create whatever comes to me. Although I may use techniques and skills I’ve learned along the way, I’m not confined to them. This is the kind of attitude I like to use in working with children and art or crafts. We can
 learn techniques and gain skills while still exploring all the options in being creative.

      In working with children I introduce and encourage a variety of opportunities. For most craft projects there will be some preparation of the materials – depending on the child’s age – so I’d get those ready ahead of time (usually when the children were napping or engaged in other activities). I’d even get several projects ready at one time and place all the needed items in large plastic zip bags along with directions and clearly label them. We could pull those out when we desired.
      No matter what craft you are interested in doing there is some organizing and preparation required before you get started. Most projects will come with a list of items needed, so I liked to have them noted on the bags or included inside. Even if you purchase craft kits you may need to supplement with other items like glue, scissors or fasteners – make sure you read the kit to see if you need to have other things on hand.

       We didn’t have “art time” per say, but rather time for art throughout our daily activities. Our art center was in the play area, so one child might be engaged in building blocks, another with dress-up and the third painting at the easel. Because creative art or craft options were always available it was a favorite spot for everyone at least sometime during the day. Our rule of cleaning up one area before moving to another kept chaos as bay – but reminders were still needed from time to time. We had enough room for all three children to participate in art if they wanted but sometimes we’d move to the kitchen table or front hall area if we needed more open space or if was better suited to the project.
       Remember doing art outdoors is a fantastic option - not only in regard to space but in inspiration. We often attached large sheets of paper to the fence and painted away, or place a "run" of paper on the grass. Using grasses, flowers, leaves and other found objects in your projects can really add another dimension to the creativity.
      Some children need very little encouragement about expressing themselves through art or crafts - they are excited to explore all the materials and really get into it. Two of the three children in my care were like that - no hesitation, just lots of enjoyment. Other children aren't that interested on their own, so a little encouragement is needed. The middle child I cared for was this type, but as soon we got started he was off and enjoying himself.
      Some children have concerns with textures or messes. Again the middle child was sensitive to textures which meant finger painting wasn't fun, but moving the finger paint with other objects worked perfectly. We used plastic toy cars, old kitchen utensils and different types of brushes to move the paint. He loved it and so did his siblings. He also preferred glue sticks when gluing and used tweezers to glue on textured things like feathers or fake fur. Eventually he got over most of the sensitivities and didn't mind the mess. Being prepared to meet any child's needs at any point allows them to enjoy all kinds of opportunities.
     
I could go on and on about art or craft activities and options. However, we'd love to hear your art or craft stories . . . and your ideas. Feel free to comment and share your experiences!