Reggio Emilia & Emergent Questions

[Heidi]

My question is about art supplies:

My group of full-timers are 15m, 15m, 21m, and 37m. Everyone is very interested in art supplies...so far I've mostly stuck to coloring and playdough.

Since my dc is in my (quite new & rather pretty) home, I am very reluctant to leave out supplies willy-nilly.

THe 3 yo has already gotten ahold of paint and painted pieces of my furniture (although paper was also available). The 15 mo's WANT to join in when I bring out pencils or crayons, but then spend most of their time (after 10 seconds of scribbling) crumpling the paper, eating the crayons, and then coloring on the table. I have to stand there every second & watch them, or I something will get ruined.

So, do I keep doing it this way for a while longer? I love the IDEA of free art, but I haven't been able to put it into practice at all.

We are not even talking about studies or anything like that yet. I am still SO working on the basics of managing behaviors most days, I can't move on.

[SilverSabre25]

This might not be "right" or popular, but if that's what they're doing, then they aren't really ready for free art in the first place. Sounds like the 15 mos could use some sensory experiences and the 3 yo needs more practice. You can have supplies visible, but in a box so they have to ask for it--just until they get used to the rules. You can still offer it yourself (like to the youngest ones) when you're there to help them along, but it sounds like they need a couple months to mature. I had one girl eating crayons until over 2!

You can also do stuff like fingerpainting with whipped cream or colored pudding (put food coloring in it)--that way the toddlers can eat it. You can give the toddlers a stack of paper specifically for tearing and cruching and crumpling, because that's what they're wanting to do right now--they want to learn about paper.

[2ndFamilyDC]

I know many will not agree with me on this; but I would never leave out art supplies for kids to just do when ever they felt like it. Well I would for 3 and up to a point, I would be supervising them closely.

But under that age no way. I have seen and heard what happens when kids are to young for art supplies and or not supervised.

I am not that brave I guess.

[nannyde]

I would check in with Crystal on this. She has all supplies out for new walkers up and has none of the problems you are describing.

I don't have stuff like that out at all. We aren't capable of supervising them properly and the cost of supervising them in our way would make having things out for free access VERY costly to the business. We can't manage it and can't afford it.

https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34351&highlight=walkers

My children have access to ALL materials as soon as they strt walking. I redirect to have them use materials appropriately. BUT, when it is constant, then they lose privileges. From THAT, they learn that they WANT to take care of the materials so that they can use them again. I teach ppreciation and responsibility by taking things before they ruin them, because I don't wanna be wasteful and keep replacing materials that cost me money.

I have ALL materials out....markers, crayons,pencils, paper, play dough, paint, collage supplies, glue, scissors, blocks and accessories, science materials, math and manipulative materials, dramatic play materials EVERYTHING within reach of my walkers. We are actively involved throughout the day in facilitating their work/play and I am completely comfortable allowing my children opportunities to use materials as soon as they are interested. On average, my children are between 12 and 18 months when they begin freely using the art materials. I have NEVER helped a child hold a crayon/marker/pencil/paintbrush. They learn grasping skills at a very young age and if they can hold it, move it to make a mark with it, however light that mark may be, then I allow them to do it. When they first begin using the materials we stay nearby, observing, facilitating and redirecting as needed to teach them the appropriate ways to use the materials....for instance, if they attempt to walk around with markers, we will direct them to sit down with the marker, or put it away....same with scissors, etc. They learn VERY early how to use the materials and as I said before there is ALWAYS at least one but usually a few kids at the writing/art table/area.

It is Emergent Curriculum. It is teaching children based on their interests and their emerging skills. It is acknowledging and honoring that children are quite capable of many things if they are given the opportunity to test out and build their skills.

[Cat Herder]

I haven't got time for the pain...... Sing it with me. ::

Things that need one on one supervision are out of reach during group play times, here.

I am alone with 6 kids.

[Heidi]

This might not be "right" or popular, but if that's what they're doing, then they aren't really ready for free art in the first place. Sounds like the 15 mos could use some sensory experiences and the 3 yo needs more practice. You can have supplies visible, but in a box so they have to ask for it--just until they get used to the rules. You can still offer it yourself (like to the youngest ones) when you're there to help them along, but it sounds like they need a couple months to mature. I had one girl eating crayons until over 2!

You can also do stuff like fingerpainting with whipped cream or colored pudding (put food coloring in it)--that way the toddlers can eat it. You can give the toddlers a stack of paper specifically for tearing and cruching and crumpling, because that's what they're wanting to do right now--they want to learn about paper.

All right, so that leads me to another question: If you let them use pudding as paint, where does it stop? I am not being snarky, just asking. My toddlers like to spill the milk out of their sippy cups and "finger paint" on the table with it. I don't really allow that. So, when is it art, when is it time for some table manners?

[hoopinglady]

those kids are pretty young. I have my tiny dining room dedicated to free art for older kids only. 3 and up typically, depending on their experience level. My own two year old is allowed too. I love having this space for messy work and sensory tubs and stuff. I just gate the little guys out.

I will bring art supplies to the toddlers and supervise closely because mine are too wild with it yet too. i give them little bits of time in the workshop as they get older/more mature and when they start acting a fool, I remind them of the rules once or twice then put them back into the playroom.

Even as they get older, you have to have a place that it's ok to play, kwim? Do you have a porch area...you could lay Ia tarp on the floor, is your kitchen large enough for a little art table? Even with experienced kiddos, there will be mess and fretting over the spills will ruin the experience for everyone.

The reggio studios seem like they would never be workable in my world. Maybe Italian children are more disciplined, ...or maybe the teachers have more time/patience for mass scale organizing.

I have one tub for drawing stuff (crayons, markers, pastels, chalk), one for glue, scissors /collage materials, one for paint, brushes and palettes, one for playdough and playdough toys...and few other various random things, small wooden blocks etc.

Children, particularly older preschoolers need these materials to express themselves. if you can find a place for that to happen (a kitchen table with a big basket full of stuff?) You'll be really glad you did.

sorry this got so long.

[Crystal]

Thanks Nan....made it easy for me

As the quote says, my stuff is out and accessible at all times. My furniture and walls have never been used as art medium It is really a matter of taking the time (when and if you have it ) to teach the appropriate way to use materials.

I would NEVER use pudding or ANY food for art or sensory activity. I find that disrespectful to the millions who go hungry. We don't play with food, we eat it.

I am working on a slideshow of my space, when I am finished I will share it so you can see how I have my materials set up for the children.

[2ndFamilyDC]

I haven't got time for the pain...... Sing it with me. ::

Nicely put.....::::

[SilverSabre25]

All right, so that leads me to another question: If you let them use pudding as paint, where does it stop? I am not being snarky, just asking. My toddlers like to spill the milk out of their sippy cups and "finger paint" on the table with it. I don't really allow that. So, when is it art, when is it time for some table manners?

It's art when it's art time...or when it's snacktime and youput them in smocks or strip 'em to diapers and say, have at it, guys!

Table manners are a) for meal times and b) for when they're capable of learning them, whatever that age is in your opinion (in mine...not until they're older and learning please/thank you/utensil usage/chewing quietly/etc)

[countrymom]

I have art stuff out and the kids are really good with that, its the other stuff they are not good with. I dont do painting (like have it out) because I don't have room but if I did, I would too. I also don't use food for painting, because we eat with it, not play with it.

[Ariana]

It sounds like your set up needs to be more kid friendly. I wouldn't be able to take care of children and help them develop if I couldn't let them move around freely and explore art. Why not set up an art area. make this area as completely kid friendly as you can so you don't have to worry. Table and chairs and then bins of washable markers and crayons. Almost everything on the market these days is washabe so I dont' sweat it! When a kid starts wandering towards your white sofa with a blue marker simply say "back to the art area please"

Paint for us is a "special activity" which I prepare for the night before but crayons, markers and paper are always out.

[Cat Herder]

Would having water pens and those aqua mats out count to meet this "goal" for 2 and unders? :confused:

THAT I could do without too many repercussions....

[Ariana]

Would having water pens and those aqua mats out count to meet this "goal" for 2 and unders? :confused:

THAT I could do without too many repercussions....

My kids that are under 2 just enjoy drinking the pen

[Heidi]

It sounds like your set up needs to be more kid friendly. I wouldn't be able to take care of children and help them develop if I couldn't let them move around freely and explore art. Why not set up an art area. make this area as completely kid friendly as you can so you don't have to worry. Table and chairs and then bins of washable markers and crayons. Almost everything on the market these days is washabe so I dont' sweat it! When a kid starts wandering towards your white sofa with a blue marker simply say "back to the art area please"

Paint for us is a "special activity" which I prepare for the night before but crayons, markers and paper are always out.

I think I"m pretty kid friendly, but I do have limits. I think it's partly just the particular group I have. By the time my kids were 15 or 16 months old, I could trust them with crayons and paper, drilling "we only color on the paper" into their heads, and they did fine. I don't think any of mine ever colored on a wall or a book.

I have 4 kids (3 ft & 1 pt) from one family, and they are a wild bunch. I don't mind exploring, learning, etc. But, for the most part, toys are ignored, and I spend most of my time redirecting, even the oldest 2 (4 and 3). My 21 mo from another family I could probably (but wouldn't of course!), leave in the whole house alone all day, and it wouldn't occurr to him to push around furniture, climb up on a shelf, or otherwise trash the place. He would drive cars around all day if they (the other kids) let him.