Projects and Building on Creativity

In our classroom we have been exploring on going art projects. They are essentially pieces of art work we begin, save, a later build on creativity in the weeks to come. We do this by adding materials changing the look of the piece by either cutting or switching up the placement. We also move the art piece from an indoor provocation to an outdoor one intentionally using the environment as aesthetics and inspiration to create. This gives children a change in scenery, heightens their senses and inspires them to expand their ideas. This also allows for our outdoor teachers to enhance learning possibilities through the use of natural light, materials and scents.

I truly enjoy watching art installations come to life over extended periods of time. It gives the process time to cook. One of my experiences during this process is that it almost never turns out the way it is planned. We must be attuned to our Childrens interest and allow them the space to expand on their own creativity. Mindfulness plays an important role during this process. In addition, giving children a little of what inspires us through the use of materials, and pictures. Scaffolding gives provocations dialogue and allows children to expand their ideas. When we ask questions and become a part of the process we can successfully guide children to reach the creativity that is already within them.

Here is a project we have been working on for three weeks; with a two week gap in between. This was made by two classrooms. The first week it was placed outside following with a secondary week inside. The progression is remarkable;