Product vs Process Art

​As a parent you pick up your children from childcare and part of the process in taking home any work and art they may have done during the day. Once home you go through it and you wondering…what is that? You gaze at this piece of paper that shows swirls of colors with no shapes or recognizable subject. Your next thought is what are they doing all day besides scribbling? Believe me when I tell you that all those scribbles are very important.

​That page of scribbles has a story. Sit down with your child and talk with them about it. Ask them what that blue mark is. Ask them what is going on in the picture. I guarantee you will be for a trip through their imagination that will be unique and special for your child. Being creative builds up a child’s confidence. It builds up their self-esteem. In process art it is about the freedom to express yourself. Nothing is wrong. Green skies and blue grass allow their thoughts to wander through all kinds of different scenarios which builds upon their ability to be creative thinkers and problem solvers.

​What does process art look like?

The National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC, describes process-focused art experiments as having some of the following characteristics:

• There are no step-by-step instructions
• There is no sample for children to follow
• There is no right or wrong way to explore and create
• The art is focused on the experience and on exploration of techniques, tools, and materials
• The art is unique and original
• The experience is relaxing or calming
• The art is entirely the children’s own
• The art experience is a child’s choice

​Process art should not have an end goal. Put out the materials and let them go. There is no limit on what you can introduce your children too. What you need is simple: paper, crayons, markers, watercolors, paint, play dough or clay. Be creative throw in pipe cleaners, craft sticks, glue, old CDs, anything that can spark creativity. Join in on the fun for some super quality time with your children. Remember it is not so much what they create but the allowing them to try and be successful.

Ms. Dotty
NAEYC Coordinator
Lead Jr. Kindergarten Teacher