The Open Art Studio

As teachers, we value our open art studio as much as the children do.

The opportunity for undirected activity in the art studio gives the children the ability 
to explore vital parts of who they are.

Community          Culture

Confidence           Critical Thinking

Observation          Revision          Problem Solving

Emotion          Intuition          Creativity

Observation          Revision          Problem Solving

 

 Mia drew a picture. She coloured with crayons...then decided to do more.

 

 Quietly working away, Mia moved her drawing to the floor and began to choose pieces of clay from the open materials. She chose a light peach colour and took small bits, pushing them and smoothing them to show her skin colour. Then she began to choose colours for the clothes. Mia took time and considered her drawing, adding details with clay to the things she had drawn.

 

 Once she had finished, Mia returned to the table and began to colour blue 

all over the page. She glued on a flying creature, which she created with 

card stock, marker and clay.

 

 Mia's finishing touch was a string. She had made a kite!

She wanted it to fly. Her kite seemed quite heavy.

It was decided that Mia's picture was just perfect for a frame, 

to inspire other friends while they create.

 

Celebrating the children's choices and processes lets them know that their creativity and ideas are valued.

Encouragement (rather than praise) will give valuable meaning to the learning that is happening. 

Things you could say:

"How did you do this?"

"You seemed to be having fun."

"You were really concentrating."

"What an interesting way to use..."

Talk about the shapes, colours & marks you see.
"What I notice first about your drawing is . . ."

"Isn't it interesting how you've used lots of . . . " 

Promote self-evaluation
"Have you put in everything you want to show?"

"Do all the parts of the picture look like they belong together?"

"Which of your paintings from today do you like best, and why?"

 Encourage effort, enjoyment, & risk-taking.
"It's fun to try it different ways."

"We learn a lot from our mistakes."

"Can you think of other ways to use this tool?"

"Let's try anyway."

"It's okay to get dirty."