By: David Cohen
The joy of childhood is deeply connected with doing. Whether at school or at home, children are engaged when they can create and express themselves. While a traditional craft, like assembling parts for a construction paper animal, may look like learning, young minds are far more expanded when they are free.
In the photos, three- and four-year-old children are spray painting the fresh snow with watercolor paint and water. This is a visceral experience, where they are using complex motor skills and seeing spectacular results. There are no lines within which they need to stay. There is unlimited canvas. Fun, you may agree, but what do they learn?
First, let’s not discount the value of fun. One of the greatest gifts that we can give young learners is the love of learning. When children are excited to go to school, that begins a pattern that is likely to remain. A zest for learning can tap into a child’s potential. In contrast, when learning is the “medicine” children are more likely to do the minimum so that they can get back to the business of enjoyment.
Second, this is hands-on science. After weeks of shoveling and weather delays, you may not be thinking of how lucky we are to have snow. Children are experiencing freezing, melting and unique ways to mix colors. They have room to experiment and discover with glee. That glee makes the activity memorable. A child remembers having fun, which also includes remembering that blue and red made purple, or that the liquid made the snow melty. Science facts and processes begin to shape their minds.
Finally, creative expression is critical and part of the joy of life. Whether enjoying the beauty of the colors or communicating the stresses of our current world, children need outlets for their thoughts. “Tell me about your art” is a great way to start a conversation with a child. Dots and lines may turn out to be a child’s view of her family. The mom is happy because grandpa came out of the hospital. My brother is red because he is angry. No, everything doesn’t need to have deep meaning. But, if you really listen to the children, you will learn a lot.
Chances are, your child’s preschool teachers are engaging your child with these types of experiences. You can continue the fun at home. Whatever you have handy will do. This could be crayons, markers, recyclables, snow, cornstarch and water…the list is endless. Plus, no experience is better than creating with family!
