Observation #5

Today was one of those days that felt very disorganized and nothing went smoothly, partly because of uncoordinated planning by the adults and partly because of the general mood of the kids.  It was overcast, they had to get up in the dark, and it was Monday. Also, to add to the confusion, several kids arrived late.  Being a person who tends to enjoy an unstructured, free-flowing environment, I felt right at home.

One of the free choice activities I observed was the water coloring table that was set up in the garden area that surrounds the old school house, which is a great setting to inspire young minds.  There are plants, bugs, birds and the smell of the outdoors.  I’m not sure what the prompt for their painting was.  I helped open some of the baby food jars filled with water color solution, then retreated to the classroom because I didn’t see a good spot to observe without feeling like I was hovering or lurking.

As an extension or variation of this activity I would try making a “still life” display on the table for the children to observe and paint:  some leaves, twigs, rocks, flowers for them to touch and hold, and gather into their own still life display in front of them.  Showing some big prints of paintings depicting nature would be good. Like the works of Monet, Matisse or Picasso, which are fluid and abstract, and don't rely on photographic perfection to make an artistic statement.