I love introducing new art materials to children and this was Immy’s first turn at using oil pastels. Although oil pastels make a similar mark on the page to good quality crayons, I think the richness of colour that they leave in their wake makes drawing so much more fulfilling.
There were lots of large arm actions and noise making which accompanied her drawing. Young children’s drawings are wonderful, unencumbered as they are by the idea that a drawing must be a realistic representation of an object, place or person.
We then added a colour wash of diluted food colouring over the top.
Immy set to work on a second picture and proudly told me that she was drawing a snail (bottom right) and a caterpillar (bottom left). I think that may be flowers above them?
This time a blue wash, again using diluted food colouring.
Remember, making art with young children doesn’t need to be complicated. They just need;
With good quality materials
And someone they love to appreciate
That it is not about the end product, but the journey they take to create.
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Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
Donna :) :)