The Circle Goes Up!

A quote from a parent at our school about the "look twice" -- the purposeful return to projects over time.

One of the coolest aspects of these projects is the layering. For me, this reinforces the VALUE of the work, as it is something that reappears time after time. Art and creation as a process, rather than a product. This concept sticks (big time) for life.

Over the course of the school year, the children may complete as few as two easel paintings. They revisit these paintings many, many times. Each layer adding to the conversation with materials. Once completed, the children name them and then the pieces are labeled and displayed. This places a great, and shared, value on their effort.

Teachers take great care in lining their classroom "nests." They know the message this sends to the children. On Monday, the children will arrive at school to discover the new display. This discovery is shared by all of the age groups. On Monday, the Leaves (3 and 4-year olds) take note and the Tracks (4 and 5-year olds) share in a camaraderie that is shaped by the new display.

If you would like to learn more about the different stages of these particular easels, please see The Circle Goes Round and Oil Pastel on Tempera.