Open-ended art is about the process, not the fridge picture. Here is how we set up painting so children can explore freely, and how you can do it at home.
If your child comes home with a sheet of brown paper and paint up to the elbows, they probably had a very good morning.
Process over product
When children mix colours, test brushes and cover a whole page, they are learning about cause and effect, control and choice. A template to colour in teaches far less.
Our painting setup
- Three primary colours and white, no more
- Thick brushes, sponges and fingers all allowed
- Large paper taped to the table so it does not slide
- A bucket of warm water and towels within reach
Ask about the painting instead of praising it. Tell me about the colours you used opens far more conversation than that is beautiful.
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Come and see
Visit on a normal morning and watch the joy of learning up close
Tours run Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30. Bring your child, stay for snack time, and ask us anything.