Preschool Art Easel Interest-Learning Center Ideas

The Art Easel does not just have to be for paint! Although paint is the primary medium used at an easel, let's get creative and find ways to attract the children who don't typically use art materials very often!

Preschool Art Easel Interest-Learning Center Ideas

Preschool Art Easel Interest-Learning Center Ideas

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Preschool Art Easel Interest-Learning Center Ideas

Preschool Art Easel Interest-Learning Center Ideas

Of course, it is an easel where most times painting as a form of art is offered. However, it can be much, much more! You do not ONLY need to have paint and brushes at your easel, although that is the most popular item in my classroom (and most other preschool classrooms!).

The most common items used in this area are large or small paint, paint brushes and paint cups.
PlaceMent of your easel should be near other active interest centers. This center will typically have two to four children usingit at one time (if yours is two-sided) and they do love to talk and ask questions about each others creations!

Keep in mind that paint gets EVERYWHERE! On the walls, on the floor and on the children! It is therefore best to not have this center in the main flow of traffic in your classroom so that the children walking by do not slip. If possible, place the easel on a floored area, not carpet. If this is not possible, place a large mat or tableCloth underneath it. In addition, hang a shower curtain or plastic tableCloth to the wall behind it ... just in case!)

What do children learn when using the Art Easel?

Activities in this area help children develop in many of the same areas they would at your Art Center or table suchas:

Become more creative while using the materials.

Understand their knowledge about how to use the various materials and tools that you provide.

Build self confidence as they put their own ideas into action and make decisions as they use the materials.

Develop small motor control and coordination.

Learn about color, size and math as they experiMent with color mixing patterns and counting, depending on the materials available.

How should the teacher prepare this as an Interest Learning Center?

As with any activity that encourages creativity, there is no preparation needed other than planning and setting out the materials. Simply plan the items you want at the easel, place them in the easel trays and let the childrenexplore!

The most important thing you, as a teacher, can do here is to encourage their thinking skills and social skills by asking "I wonder" type open ended questions:

"That is a beautiful shade of blue! How did you make that? " "I see a pattern with the shapes you are gluing on! Triangle, circle, triangle, circle, triangle. I wonder what would come next in that pattern? "

Plan It!

Be sure that part of your classroom curriculum planning includes deciding on activities for your Art Easel. There are many concepts and objectives that can be met in this area!

Preschool Art Easel Interest-Learning Center Ideas