Collage can be an excellent tool for young children to cultivate basic art process skills. Additionally, it may prove beneficial in many other developmental areas depending on how and why it is used. From the French coller, or to glue, collage can be translated into simple steps that engage and excite the early learner. Paper, fabric, photographs, and many more materials can be used to build these fun-filled projects. The following provides some tips and ideas on using collage in the early childhood classroom.
Tips for Collage with Preschoolers
Collage materials do not need to be new, unused items. Save paper scraps from other projects and re-use them in a collage or use pages from old (child friendly) magazines. Upholstery and wallpaper sample books are great sources of collage materials. They offer an alternative to plain paper, and often contain a variety of textures, colors, and patterns. Incorporate a science or nature lesson into your collage. Go on a nature walk to collect collage materials such as leaves.
Allow the children to control their own artwork. Avoid telling them that they must stay within the boundaries of the background paper. View this as a student inquiry project – the children might need to use trial and error to see how far off of the paper they can go before the collage falls apart. Also, adopt a hands off art policy. Invite the children to create their own unique works, independent of the helpful adult hand.
Give the children an adequate amount of working time. Too little time will cause them to rush and not think about the process at hand. Too much time may create boredom. Do the project yourself before you try it with your class. This helps to estimate time guidelines and allows for adjustments in the materials that you plan on using. This may also indicate if the project is too easy or too difficult for your particular age group.
Use posters or books to show pictures of collages made by "real" artists. Explain that collage is an art form, not just a school craft. They should think of themselves as artists.
Enlist all children as helpers in the clean up process. Create a special bin or box that is designated for paper scraps to be re-used (this can become a fun sorting activity). Find a place in your art center to store collage materials. These can be used on a regular basis for free time.
Tips for Classroom Connections
Connect the collage activity to the current classroom theme. Make sure that it is presented in a way that is meaningful to the children, or sparks their interest. Specific simple ideas may include animals, transportation, colors, or seasons.
This idea can also be transfered to specific content areas. Geometry and the part to whole relationship can be explored through shape collages. Science and the environment can be integrated through the use of natural materials such as leaves or small twigs. Also, ask the children to create a group or class collage. This can be used when discussing community, culture, or self.
Another way to connect collage art to other areas in the classroom is through literacy activities. Read books to the children that contain collage based illustrations. Examples are books by Lois Ehlert or Eric Carle. These illustrations and stories may become inspiration for the child's own art.
Collage in Your Classroom
Collage can be a great way to introduce young children to the artistic process. The materials used need not be fancy or pricey, utilizing found or recycled items will still challenge and excite the growing learner. To optimize the development potentials of this activity allow the children to try it themselves. Although it is tempting, try a hands off policy that encourages independent thinking on the part of the child. This will promote a sense of ownership. Additionally, connect collages to other classroom areas. Arts integration with classroom content areas may prove to be a better curricular tool then instruction alone.
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