This month we made some special artwork, not to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but to foster our creative sides and add to our sense of belonging within the classroom. Each child was given their own framed contact paper (sticky paper), and then we put bits of tissue paper shapes out for them to access. We showed them that the tissue paper sticks to their paper and let them explore and create as they liked. For some, this was the first time with these materials, for others, it was another chance to explore them.
To our surprise, most children picked up only a piece or two of tissue paper at a time. Many were very specific about which pieces they chose and where they placed each piece within the frame. Some covered the whole area, while others only put pieces in certain spots. When another educator entered the room while this activity was going on, children picked up their artwork to go show her. They were so excited and had such big looks of pride on their faces!
Once each child was finished, they helped stick their project onto another sheet of contact paper to secure the tissue paper bits. Then an educator cut them out and we stuck them to our window to brighten up our classroom. The toddlers were excited to see their artwork displayed and pointed to the one they made!
Sometimes holidays are encouraging reminders to do a different activity than usual, or to spark some fun ideas for us educators. Back in December, we did a similar activity with snowman shapes and the children really enjoyed it so this month we decided to offer it again but chose to cut the frames into hearts. The last time we offered this, the children explored in more of an experimental sensory way, discovering how the tissue paper attaches to the sticky paper. This time, though, they already knew about these aspects and instead of the activity seeming more sensory focused, the toddlers demonstrated that they wanted to explore in a creative way with how intentionally they added pieces to their project. They also showed us their developing sense of self as they showed their projects with such pride.
So, what can we do next?! Our toddlers have shown us that having their very own project to work on is important to them at this time. Creating and displaying their artwork in ways that allow each child to know that it’s their own adds to that sense of belonging in our play environment. It also allows each child to reflect on the experience they had making it, encouraging them to recall past events. Toddlers, we can’t wait to see what you dream up next!
