Creative Arts in the ECE Program

Reasons for Creative Arts in ECE ProgramsFoster creative abilityIncrease environmental awareness (senses)

Meaningful and satisfying experiences

Needs that Creative Arts MeetEmotional

Express feelings, thoughtsSelf Awareness

SocialAppreciate and respect others workLearn cooperation, sharing

IntellectualDevelop, organize ideas and subjectsExperiment and learn by doing

Needs the Creative Arts MeetsPhysical

Gross and Fine motor coordinationEye-hand-mind coordination

PerceptualAlert to beauties and wonders of world

Observe, assimilate, express mental images

Needs that Creative Arts meetAesthetic

Develop sensitivity to art and beautyCreative

Use original planning, thinking, and organizing

Receive personal satisfaction and joy from producing something original

Art Skills ChecklistMakes basic scribble shapesCombines circles/squares with crossed lines

Draws person as sun-face with arms and legs

Compines objects together in a picture

Common Errors in Teaching Art

Advocating formulas and requiring conformity in copying

Mistaking lack of guidance for freedom

Unduly emphasizing copying and neatness

Appreciating Children’s ArtSix Questions can help us look at a child’s artwork more carefully.What is it made of?What does the observer see (lines,

colors)?What does it represent?How is it organized?What is it about?Where does the idea come from (a

story, an outing, imagination)?

Principles of Music ProgramBase program on four elementsBalance of groupingsInvite children to respond in own waysBuild self-confidenceUse personalized encouragementBuild music/movement vocabulariesEncourage spontaneityJoin with your students in music experiencesBe inclusive of all children

Music Skills ChecklistMoves legs and feet in rhythm to beat

Moves arms and hands in rhythm to beat

Plays instrumentsSings with group or by self

Favorite Children’s Artists

Hap PalmerRaffiElla JenkinsCat Paws Lee

Campbell-TowellWiggles

Mr. HeathDr. JeanGreg and StevePutumayoAnna Moo