Nature Suncatchers
|
Nature art can be either process or product-focused (also referred to as open-ended or closed art). Both have their own roles in the preschool program and carry their own weight in the realm of development.
Process-focused art will be open-ended and without rules or specific outcomes. Process-focused art gives children the freedom to experience the materials in any way they choose. It builds social and emotional experiences and supports creative and cognitive development as well. |
Product-focused art will have specific procedures and desired outcomes. Product-focused art supports developing executive functioning skills and allows for practice with specific methods and concepts that are beneficial. This may include fine motor skill practice or exposure to different art processes.
The first thing to keep in mind when deciding whether to provide a process or product-focused nature art project is to consider the objective of the experience.
Process Focused Art
|
Is the objective or desired outcome…
|
…to explore a plethora of materials combining nature and art?
…to work with natural materials in new ways? …to experience nature or natural elements? …to be creative and express individuality? |
Then process-focused art may be best!
Product Focused Art
Is the objective or desired outcome… |
…to practice executive function skills by deciding what to make, planning the steps, and following the steps for a specific outcome?
…to have an end product? …to experience a new artistic method or concept? …to practice a specific skill? |
Then product-focused art may be best!
|
Another option is to combine process and product-focused art by allowing children freedom with specific materials and a guided process. This may include laying out various materials and encouraging them to create something specific. Or laying out various materials that may or may not guide their artwork such as blue paper, green and purple paint, and glitter.
You may be guiding their artwork toward an ocean theme, but they have the option to participate or not. What makes this a combination is that you do not tell them how to do it and do not show them a model to strive for, yet the outcome is specific. |
Sewing Leaves
|
For example, you may lay out pebbles, construction paper, glue, leaves, clay, seashells, and paint and encourage them to create a fish. Some children may create a sculpture of a fish with pebbles and seashells for scales while others may create a painting with basic materials. Each version is acceptable and allows children the freedom of creativity.
“Art takes nature as its model.” Aristotle
Enroll in Washington Child Care Training Courses
Successful Solutions Training in Child Development
Copyright 2019. Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Student support 7 days a week, including most holidays!
Copyright 2019. Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Student support 7 days a week, including most holidays!
Times shown are Pacific Standard Time. If you are in Central or Eastern Time, you will need to adjust the time accordingly.
|
New Enrollments Set-Up
|
|
Registrations that are submitted after enrollment hours will be processed the next morning. You will receive an email with your log-in information to access the course within an hour after we open the next business day.