Module 1 1.1 Encouraging free expression


1.1.1 Introduction “Creative activities” is a phrase we tend to use in the nursery school and it is misleading, as it pre- supposes that something should be created and stress is placed on the end result. Whereas the value to the child lies in the experiences he gains whilst engaged in an activity.


Parents are oſten the culprits in their demand for and reaction to the finished product. Teachers are oſten influenced by parents’ demands, though it is their duty to make the purpose of creative activity quite clear to parents.


Perhaps, as children use and learn with all their senses, the term “sensory experience” might be a more apt one.


We tend to think of art materials as paint and clay, but the term can be extended to include all kinds of unlikely things like mud, sand, water, leaves, stones, grass and a wide and general term for what other people call rubbish and we call waste material – in all this material are pattern, movement, rhythm and colour.


All children have a natural inner desire to create. Tis does not necessarily mean that they are little “artists”. Children’s art shows a characteristic spontaneity, freshness and freedom from outside influence. Tese characteristics led an artist such as Picasso to say on occasion that the artist could still learn about art from the young child.


“Young children do not create what they see, but what they experience”; that is, they produce according to their imagination and not according to reality. Regarding this, Cleparède said:


“A child’s drawing is a bit of his soul spread out on paper.” Tat is why we should not judge a child’s art by adult standards. We should accept it as an example of the child’s self-expression. It should neither be criticised nor should suggestions for improvement be made.


1.1.2 The value of creative activities or art


 Children, who have not yet sufficient words at their disposal, can express their deepest feelings through art and thus come to terms with and understand them. Tis is a normal cathartic experience and we, as adults, should guard against the analysis of behaviour when observing children’s art.


 Participation in creative activities and free use of materials clarifies the child’s concepts as he discovers how different materials behave – what they feel like, whether they can be glued, etc.


 It is oſten a safety valve as it relaxes tensions and allows children to create and destroy without damaging and art generates joy and enjoyment.


 Encourages creativity and other attributes  Offers direct sensory experiences  Gives the child the opportunity to make his own discoveries; promotes problem-solving and decision-making opportunities


 Helps to develop self-discipline as the child discovers that he must impose his own restrictions in order to achieve the results he desires. Art helps develop good working habits and a sense of responsibility.


110 FutureManagers


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