Guidelines for Open-ended Art

• Never alter or 'fix' a child's work
• Provide a wide variety of interesting materials and choices.
• Add new materials weekly, incorporating your theme if possible.
• Never tell a child what to create.
• Don't ask, "What is it?" - Say "Tell me about it."
• Ask the child if and where he/she would like his name on the art.
• Let children explore materials.
• Let children come up with their own ideas and use materials creatively.
• Provide materials for 3-D and ongoing artwork projects.
• Encourage but do not force participation.
• Do not do models or samples for the children.
• Throw away any colorbooks or dittos in the room.
• All materials should be at the children's level, and accessible.
• Playdough and the art easel should be open the majority of each day.
• Encourage children to express feelings and personal experiences through art.
• Display art in a variety of ways - it should not all 'match'.
• Talk about texture, color, smell, shape, etc and the experience.
• Let the children be as independent as possible, and encourage self-help skills and responsibility in cleaning up art.
• Educate parents as to the value and learning in open-ended art.
• Teach and model appropriate use and respect of materials.
• Allow ample time for children to create and explore.
• Incorporate books on fine art in your classroom.
• Children should be doing their own cutting - it's okay if a circle doesn't remotely resemble a circle yet. This is how they develop these fine muscles - and makes it 'their' work and experience.
• There is no 'right' or 'wrong' way, or end product.
• The art area should have lots and lots of a variety of different collage materials, and always be an open, available choice for children.

© 2005 Cathy Abraham