Creative Art: More Than Just Cutting and Pasting

Creative art is not just cutting and pasting, coloring in between the lines, or a project from a pre-packaged kit. It must value process over product.
Creative art allows children to express their feelings and use their imaginations. It enhances positive self-esteem and learning. Children learn many concepts through creative art experience: thinking, problem solving, communication, feelings and appreciation of the differences around them.
Before children engage in any creative art experience, here are a few suggestions:

Go over a few simple guidelines with the children.

The number of children allowed to work in the art area at one time.

Encourage children to wear protective clothing - smocks, aprons or men's old shirts.

Encourage the children to take care of the art materials and equipment - putting the materials where they belong when they are finished (rinsing paint brushes out, putting lids on paint cups, making sure the glue bottles are closed, etc.).

Encourage children how to conserve materials - use only what is needed.

Encourage the children to share materials and to respect other children's artwork.

Suggestions to promote creativity:

Art materials should be made accessible - easy to use when they want and easy to get to.

Art materials should be age appropriate and safe to use (some materials may require adult supervision.)

There should be plenty of materials available: various types of paper (newspaper, computer paper, construction paper, tissue paper, wrapping paper), yarn, glue, various types of paint (water colors, finger paint, acrylic paint), oils and pastels, buttons, sequins, toilet paper tubes, clays, beads, sequins, feathers, tiles, cardboard, colored chalk, etc.

Display picture books of drawings, paintings, architecture, weaving, quilting, sculpting.

Take the children to art museums, art shows, look at the different types of architecture around your town or city.

Invite an artist to visit - sculptor, photographer or a painter.

Display various artwork , pictures or books of artwork from other counties (pinatas from Mexico, African masks, etc.).