Providing early visual arts experiences to the young child within the school setting can greatly impact development. The primary means by which this occurs is through visual viewing experiences and hands on art production.
Cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and aesthetic development are all affected through the exploration of artistic subject (i.e., art appreciation) and artistic process. Creating curriculum that integrates exposure to the visual arts may increase developmental outcomes in some areas above and beyond that found in traditional instructional practices.
The impact of early arts programming for the developing preschoolers’ abilities are evident in two (often intertwined) categories: visual viewing experiences (i.e., art appreciation), and art production explorations. Visual art experiences (art appreciation) are largely ignored in the field of early childhood. Often, these experiences are thought to be above and beyond the young child’s comprehension or ability.
Contrary to this belief, these experiences actually may aid in the positive developmental of the young child. The provision of viewing experiences coupled with simple discussions can be a fantastic tool in the early childhood curriculum. These exploratory lessons need not be conducted in a museum or even centered around typical "art". The following suggestions provide simple, practical techniques for early childhood teachers to begin using artistic viewing experiences in the everyday classroom.
Using Books as Art
Look to the classroom for beginning planning materials. Books from your own library are a great source of visual imagery. Allow the children to "read" the illustrations and tell their own stories based on what they see. Talk about the person creating the pictures (the illustrator). Ask the children what this person might do in his or her job. This topic covers many themes and might include discussing jobs in the community or collaborating with other people (writers and illustrators working together).
Viewing Posters and Reproductions
Another way to create simple viewing experiences in the classroom is to hang up art reproductions. These can be found in many places such as stationary stores, museum gift shops, or craft and framing stores. Posters, postcards, and calendars are examples of items that may easily be found and displayed. These works of art should not only be displayed, but also frequently discussed.
Ask the children what they can find in the pictures. Sometimes, especially for the younger inexperienced viewer, it might be necessary to start with the very basics. What colors can you find? What shapes do you see? Can you find a pattern? As the children progress and become more used to talking about what they see push them to discuss more. Some examples are the part to whole relationship in shapes, why the artist chose specific colors, time of day, place, or narrative story.
After the children become familiar with the idea of viewing and discussing art, begin to use what they see as a basis for what they create. A Matisse work might connect with shape collages or paint outdoors after discussing Monet.
Child Made Artwork
The young child’s self-made artwork can also become a catalyst for viewer based discussion. Show and shares or classroom art shows allow the children to feel pride in what they have created as well as provide the opportunity for visual explorations. Instead of asking the child artist to talk only about his work, ask the children to discuss what each other has made. Make comparisons and contrasts between the child made work and some of the artists that you have discussed in class.
Tying it Together
Using art viewing strategies in the early childhood classroom can be a simple, yet highly beneficial curricular tool. Books, reproductions, and child made artwork are all easily obtainable items that can become the centerpiece of a visual discussion. Whether it is a Picasso poster hanging on the classroom wall or a four year old's fall leaves collage, providing teacher guided viewing experiences are an excellent way to boost development while creating a fun new activity!
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