It can be challenging at times, as parents and teachers, to remember how important open-ended, independent creative play is for children of all ages.
So often, we have an agenda in mind, as we explore art and craft projects with our kids. Whether we are engaging in a particular style of art, or introducing a theme, such as the holidays, we tend to have an idea what we want the finished product to look like.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is something to be aware of when exploring art with kids. It’s important to remind ourselves that art with children is much more about the process than the product.
I’ve made a point lately to allow my preschooler to have more time to create at his own pace, and as he desires.
One activity that we’ve done several times in the past few weeks, is this simple sticky paper floor collage.
What we used:
- Contact paper (white)
- Tape
- Pom poms
- Paper shapes (we used the leftovers from Envelope Shape Sorting Game)
- Sequins
I started by taping a large sheet of adhesive paper (sticky side up) onto the floor. I filled several small containers with pom poms, paper shapes, and sequins, and set them on the floor next to the paper.
We’ve used adhesive paper previously for activities such as Sticky Letters, Sticky Floor For Babies, St. Patrick’s Day Stained Glass Shamrocks, and Make Your Own Sticky Table.
In those cases, we used clear paper. This time, I used a roll of paper that was printed on one side and white on the other.
When Zahir (age 3) began to explore with the materials, he was surprised to find that the paper was sticky. He quickly began exploring the texture and sound the paper made as he placed (and removed) various objects. So much sensory fun!
After experimenting with the sticky paper, Zahir got to work creating.
As he placed different items on the paper, he narrated what he was doing. Throughout this, he instinctually worked on color identification and counting. Plus, picking up the small items was wonderful for working on those important fine motor skills.
My favorite thing about projects that are open-ended and completely child-directed, is sitting back and listening to the children as they create and explore.
This often leads to storytelling, and gives adults an interesting glimpse into the thought process of the child.
With activities such as this, I like to leave the project accessible for the majority of the day.
My son began his collage in the morning, went on to other activities throughout the day, and then came back in the afternoon to complete his work of art.
He continued adding pieces to the sticky paper until he felt it was ready to display.
Interested in more simple art projects? Check out 7 Ways To Explore With Paint and Pipe Cleaner Sculptures.
You might also like How To Encourage Art Appreciation In Kids.