I have received a number of questions from readers of the blog and friends on Facebook about my new book, Time to Create: Hands On Explorations in Process Art for Young Children, and thought it made sense to share the answers here for everyone. I know how much harder it can be to make purchasing decisions in this age of online booksellers where you don’t have the luxury of flicking through the pages before you decide to buy so I hope this helps to make the decision to purchase a copy a little easier.
Who was Time to Create written for?
I wrote Time to Create with both parents and educators in mind – particularly those who struggle with finding ideas, time and/or space for offering artistic opportunities for children. Children provided with regular opportunities to express their own ideas and understandings creatively will be well equipped to tackle many of the challenges of our modern day world as through thoughtful art experiences they are developing essential skills associated with problem solving. planning, communication, perseverance and self expression. Art making really is important for children’s learning.
What types of activities are included in the book?
The activities in Time to Create are sorted into seven chapters, each dedicated to a different type of art making;
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Collage
- Sculpture
- Textiles
- Digital Photography, and
- Natural Materials.
There is plenty to inspire children to get busy creating, even those reluctant artists, but don’t just take my word for it – here is what Kate of Picklebums had to say about the activities in Time to Create;
“Time to Create is full of down to earth, doable, creative ideas for all ages. There are lots of great photos (even the ones I took turned out ok!) and step by step instructions as well as information on why art is important, what children learn, how to talk to your kids about their art, tips for displaying and storing art, and pretty much everything you need to know about art for young children.
Time to Create is the sort of book that makes doing creative activities with young kids seem possible. It’s not full of craft activities that require you to spend a small fortune and that don’t turn out like the picture in the book and then your kid cries and you feel like a total failure as a parent.”
You can see Kate’s full review post here.
What materials will I need to complete the activities with my children?
Part of my intention in writing Time to Create was to provide a resource that parents and educators could dip into for inspiration at a moments notice. As a result the majority of the activities use common, household objects and basic art making media and equipment – think crayons, oil pastels, felt tipped markers, glue, scissors, child friendly acrylic paint and food colouring. I am planning to share our favourite basic art supplies in an upcoming Childhood 101 monthly newsletter so please feel free to subscribe here if you are interested to know what I keep stocked in our art cupboard.
“Children need very little to be creative or artistic: They will often find joy in a simple paintbrush or cayon and a surface to embellish. Extending their creatieity involves expanding the range of materials and surfaces provided, and allowing regular opportunities to express their own ideas and understanding – opportunities to create art.” – page 10
What age are the activities suitable for?
Time to Create is about seeing the limitless potential of children’s art – the potential for learning, communicating, feeling and expressing – and I see the ideas contained within as a springboard for inspiring the child’s own creativity. As a result I actually find this the trickiest question to answer as I think the answer will be different for every child, parent and family, and for every classroom setting and teacher. It really all comes down to your approach to art.
The activities in Time to Create are open ended and process orientated, providing children with the space and opportunity to respond individually. While a preschooler might need a little practical assistance with some of the more technical aspects of an activity like printmaking or sewing, older children can be challenged to create more intricate designs and will enjoy taking ownership of the entire creative process. The book includes suggestions for art making with very young toddlers and activity ideas that are more suitable for early primary or elementary school aged children. That being said I know children aged nine (almost ten) who still enjoy many of the activities in the book.
How can I purchase a copy of the book?
The book is available internationally from all major online booksellers, including;
Fishpond.com.au | Fishpond.com
If you live in the United States or Canada Time to Create is also available in bookstores.
How can I purchase a copy of the eBook?
The eBook is currently available through Amazon’s Kindle store, eBooks.com and Barnes & Noble’s Nook bookstore.
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
