Home Hot Topics Articles Directors' Choice Awards About Us / Contact Us Activities & Curriculum Activities for Outcome-Based Learning Arts & Crafts Music for Learning Recommended Reading Sharing Boards: What Do YOU Think? NEWSlink Current National News Conference Calendar Topics In Early Childhood Education Art and Creativity in Early Childhood Education Job Sharing Board State Licensing Requirements Stay Connected! Each month we'll send you an email filled with articles and ideas for your classroom. Subscribe Now Date: 10/4/2004 1:50:00 PM Author: Barb Subject: "projects" for infants Children younger than 8-9 months do not have the coordination or attention span to produce projects. The most I've done with this age group is finger painting with cool-whip or baby food. (Yes, I know some people have reservations about using food for "art"). You should expose young infants to many stimuli, and talk about the way things feel, smell or sound. You might take pictures of the children's "experiments". Certainly write a note to Mom and Dad about how the child reacted to the stimulus, and\or have a bulletin board with the comments for all to see. Children 10 months or so can start using crayons or markers, and other non-toxic art media. Yes, they WILL put things in their mouths. That is one way they learn about their world. Remind them "Crayons go on the paper". Remember it's the process that's important. Whatever they produce is a work of art. Mom and Dad will be thrilled with anything you send home. Because of having to be closely supervised, it might be wise to try projects on a 1-1 basis until the children are older. Try to catch a few minutes when some are sleeping. Their short attention span makes each attempt a short one. Things like water play or sand table are great--but will not produce a "project" to be sent home---again, take pictures or write up some notes to share with Mom and Dad. Good luck! Name: Email: Subject

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