I often wonder what other people see in the art being created in an early childhood classroom. What do they make of these splashes of paint and collages covered with glue and seemingly random bits and bobs?
Cultural Appropriation in Preschool?
I was helping my fifth grader with a history project a few nights ago when we made a fascinating discovery. As we researched the Native American people indigenous to our area for the presentation he was working on, we stumbled on a wild story that left us both aghast.
Long story short, way back in 1899, the city of Seattle wanted to be known as the “Gateway to Alaska”. So, in order to establish a landmark that perpetuated this title, a group of businessmen sailed to Alaska, where they found a 60-foot totem pole in a Tlingit village. Assuming the village had been abandoned (the people were actually only temporarily away for the summer fishing and cannery season) the men cut down the pole, brought it to Seattle, and erected it in a prominent place in town, where it became known as the Seattle Totem for the next 50 years.
Secrets of the Fearless Mess-Makers
Isn’t it Time to Create?
Faige Kobre’s guest post here about the therapeutic nature of art was a reminder to me to be more intentional about pulling out art supplies to provide an invitation for my boys to create. I’m not sure what’s been holding me back, but it certainly wasn’t their interest!
The Artful Parent: Jean Van’t Hul
I’ve been so excited to tell you about a new book, The Artful Parent, written by my friend Jean Van’t Hul, who you may already know from her popular blog, The Artful Parent. This book is amazing, and so much more than just a collection of art activities!
The Artful Year: Autumn
I love fall! The crispness, the colors, all of it! Most of all, I love that it is traditionally a time of celebration and a time to gather as families. It is a perfect time for building memorable scenes for our children. Whether is coming together to bake a special treat or to decorate for the holidays, our children build not only fine motor skills and creative abilities, but they build family ties and a sense of place in the process.
In my experience blogging I have been blessed to meet many amazing women. Jean Vant Hul of the Artful Parent is one of them. She is absolutely lovely and gracious. And she is splendidly talented.
What’s in My Art Closet: Five Favorite Supplies
Here’s another blast from the past as I get back into the groove with my new little guy.
A friend recently asked if I could give a list of the things I keep on hand for creative art activities. In addition to the standard crayons, markers, and white paper here are a few of my favorite multitasking art supplies:
Another Spin on Spin Art
Spin art is a childhood favorite. I don’t think I’ve ever met a child who doesn’t want to take a shot at it. I think it’s interesting that even the kids who often don’t want to sit down and work on a static art project, suddenly come alive when you introduce movement art like this.
Amazing Art Adventures
I love that place where Science and Art collide. When truly creative projects focus on the process over the product, they lend themselves to more inquiry, experimentation, and seeing things in a new way. Children are free to wonder, “What would happen if…” and then experiment. It’s the scientific process in action!
Repost Reminder: The Spectrum of Preschool Arts and Crafts
There’s a fascinating article from Newsweek entitled, The Creativity Crisis. It was actually published in the summer, but I just stumbled upon it recently. It’s left me with all kinds of writing prompts swimming around in my head, but I thought I’d actually start with something I’ve already written. Here’s a look at what the term “arts and crafts” means to me, originally published August 12, 2009.