Little N. developed the ability to paint independently after many months working alongside Mama, or while sitting in her lap, at our Playgroup, outside under the trees, making family art.
There are many amazing developmental aspects to observe in N. painting. To name a few: Cognitively, she is making choices and learning about cause and effect. She is also learning more about nests, which reinforces the meaning of the songs we sing in class. Social-emotionally, she is among other little ones, some have become friends. She feels confident that she may focus on her work in a safe environment. Physically, she is able to hold the paint brush, lean in, and has the eye-hand coordination and motor planning needed to deliver her brush strokes so intentionally.
One of my favorite parts of this video is parenting style. Parents can participate in multiple ways during our sensory and art projects. In this case, N.’s Mom is right by her side, watching her paint, and consciously saying nothing. The birds can be heard in the background along with other parents choosing to communicate verbally, offering their little ones a language-rich experience.
Both parenting styles are of equal benefit in the art process. In the silent observation, the child can create bountiful neural connections, taking in all that is occurring on a developmentally appropriate level. In the “broadcasting” version, the child is given a vocabulary to pair with the art process. They leave with a story which anchors the experience and boosts language acquisition.
In either case, displaying artwork after class is invaluable for all aspects of development. It is a self-esteem booster, and creates a concrete symbol of acknowledgement. Plus, the nests are beautiful and easy to show in the home.
Sensory Play