Google+ bakers and astronauts: Little Paintings

27 February 2012

Little Paintings

Last Thursday, I cut some painting paper into quarters and took out little pots of paint and thin paintbrushes. I've been feeling a little uninspired at the maker's table lately, and watching the children do little paintings was just what I needed.









I feel like I had forgotten all of the things that I would bring to that table and for a few weeks, it was play dough, crayons, group collage, group painting...I was unable to think of what would really engage children at that table.  I hope this means the rut is over: I've planned truly inviting activities for all of this week.  It can be a challenge to be open-ended and provide novelty with materials and aesthetics that really draw the children in.

This particular way of painting makes children look at the paper differently, I think:  that paper is so small compared to what they would typically work with; same goes for the brush and the paint pots.  Making little changes can result in a big change in engagement, and as I've mentioned too many times to count, engagement is always my goal.

Do you ever feel stuck in a rut with your planning?

2 comments:

  1. I think you need some grown up play with materials time. Maybe take a class, an adult class...clay, belly dance, papermaking, welding. And not a class for teachers , just for you. The truth is, sometimes when it's hard to plan, it's about something else. Go play Allie! A little change makes all the difference. (And I say this with lots of love) Thinking of you.

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  2. I think thats great advice, Marla. All teachers need to experience creativity in their own lives, right? I'm gong to take that to heart. Thank you, Marla!

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Thanks so much for joining the conversation!

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