One of the many books that has helped shape my approach to making art with children is Young at Art by Susan Stiker, available in the Museum’s Shop and for viewing in the Studio’s Resource Library. Aimed at parents and educators of 1 to 5 year olds, the book is filled with practical and developmentally-appropriate ideas for offering materials to young children. These thoughts from the introduction parallel my approach in the Studio and support how I view my role as a studio educator. “I believe children engage in critical thinking and learn how to become problem solvers when they are allowed to work, within very clear parameters but with complete freedom, with basic art materials…It [art by young children] is not a ‘frill,’ not merely ‘charming,’ but the very foundation upon which all later reading, writing, and drawing are built.”
How do you view your role as an educator or parent when it comes to your children’s artistic endeavors?
Tags: book, Museum Shop
I’m so excited to see this blog here! I think I heard it was in the works last fall. This is one of my favorite books, and I do think we bought it in the museum shop many years ago on our first visit. I view myself, primarily, as the Facilitator. It’s not my role to tell my kids what to do artistically or creatively, rather to help them reach their vision, whether that’s by providing materials or tools or by introducing them to various methods to they’ll know what approach will work best to help them bring their ideas to fruition.
Thanks Amy! I often call myself a Facilitator too. I think that word is accurate when the goal is to help others reach their vision. Let us know what kinds of things you hope to see on this blog in the future.
So glad to hear you say ” freedom with materials within defined parameters. Certainly high tens both the creative and critical thinking — not just for the 1-5 year olds, but beyond.
Betsye,
Thanks for your comment. You’re right that “freedom with materials within defined parameters” (Susan Striker) is valuable for ALL ages of learners and thinkers. In many of our programs we offer visitors/students a limited set of materials but invite them to explore them in whichever way they choose. We find that the youngest through the oldest visitors have fun engaging their creative and critical thinking this way. Most people dive right in because they don’t have to spend a lot of time choosing materials. We hope that they walk away seeing multiple uses for a few simple materials.