A previous version of myself loathed “art time” with the kids I worked with. I was told that art consisted of everyone creating the same project that generally came in a box from a lesson plan company. I would spend so much time prepping the project. Then, interrupt the children’s play, so they could begrudgingly and quickly, glue some googly eyes on the project in order to hurry it along and get outside. At the end, everyone’s project was almost exactly the same, and most of us left them table feeling relieved to have finished the obligation that was considered art. It was all about the product and so rarely the process.
These days I spend my days observing as kiddos paint, chalk, tape, splatter, glue, cut and tie and create with such joy, self driven intention, and pride. Is it cutesy or something you want displayed on every wall of your house? Maybe not, but it’s meaningful.
And yes, it’s messy. Does that mean it’s a complete free for all…utter chaos? Nope, we still have some simple boundaries. The kiddos know they can’t paint my house, but their playhouse is fair game. They are welcome to paint the plastic toy animals but our living farm buddies, not so much. Their own body, that’s generally alright with me, but we’ll need enough time to wash up before nap or eating. Our supplies are generally washable and play clothes can be sourced secondhand for pennies on the dollar.
The children create when they are called to. They are given the freedom of materials to meet their needs for sensory integration. To meet our core human need for self expression. Here they learn that their ideas are important and deserve to be seen through. The children’s creations are a constant reminder to me that creativity always lives outside the lines.
I would argue that self expression(and love) is our life’s purpose and it’s such a joy to watch these children express their humanness through creating.
