In the school-age program at RisingOaks Early Learning | St. Brigid, the children have shown interest in drawing since our big chalk map out on the playground. So, educator Natalie thought, why not try it on paper with small groups of children, their pencils and their incredible imaginations! Natalie asked the children choose their own groups and encourage them to be with at least one person they didn’t really know due to different grade and age. This allowed for great dynamics within each group. Natalie then gave each group a large piece of paper and as a team we discussed that “Haunted Halloween” will be the idea of the art piece. They continued the group discussion when Natalie asked, “What comes to mind when you hear Haunted Halloween?” There were so many words shouted out from everyone such as spooky houses, moons, ghosts, bats, etc. With all those words Natalie gave instructions to talk within the group as to how they would draw everything they just said, but to keep in mind that all three art pieces would be put together as one. She began walking around and could see things coming together. Joe was drawing a haunted house with such detail as was Braydon but in a different group. They all were so focused on their work, but Natalie decided to pause their progress and add a little of her own Halloween words. She instructed them to draw a witch on a broom, a pumpkin, bats in the sky and a black cat. She told the groups it could be anywhere on their page. Some group’s shouted that they had already drew some of her words and wanted her to give them different ones.
The excitement for their creation was coming from all corners of the classroom, it was amazing to hear! The dialogue between the groups continued as they looked at each other’s creations all come together. As Natalie walked around after some time she couldn’t believe what had developed on each page. She was so proud how well they all did working collaboratively as a team, talking amongst each other and really trying their best at drawing, even if it was difficult for some. So many positive words of encouragement from friends can make anything possible! These children have great fine motor skills and amazing imaginations creating their “Haunted Halloween town.”
Natalie is so proud of all their hard work and can’t wait to see what they will create next as a team!
