What is free expression in art education for early childhood education?

Question

What is free expression in art education for early childhood education?

Answer 1

This means if I give your child  7 red stripes, 50 stars, a blue square and a large white piece of paper that is supposed to be made into an American flag. Your son then proceeds to put the stars on the stripes, the stripes up and down instead of across, and the blue square in the middle, it's okay, it was his free expression of art.

Basically whatever the child does with the art materials is his/her free expression and should not be stifled by the teacher.

Answer 2

Free expression is a relaxed, permissive environment with a minimum of rules and directives.  It involves medium like a large, blank sheet of paper and crayons, paint, sponges, etc. or a large lump of clay, or an array of mixed media (pipe cleaners, scissors, glue, magazines to tear pictures from,  anything that will stimulate the imagination of the child and carry him/her off on an individual journey creativity.

  Important:  do not judge the production.  Emphasize that they do not have to "MAKE" something "nice", etc.  Just let them be in an atmosphere of acceptance, relaxation, fun, self-exploration.

   Dance or body movement to different tempos of music is another medium for free expression.  Begin by gentle stretching and moving around the room and lead them into free dance, "doing their own thing".    Good luck.

Answer 3

Leslie B. hit the nail on the head with her answer.   I'll bet she follows the High Scope approach to teaching Early Childhood Education.  Maybe I can add a few, fun ideas...  cutting cards, sooo many processes (marble painting, painting w/feathers, twigs, stones, bubblewrap),  Almost anything can be used.  Just give the children materials, space and encouragement and they will create.  The parents ususally need explanation as to why their children aren't making specific art projects.  You'll just have to educate them.

Answer 4

Letting children do whatever they want to express themselves while doing art. It's alot of fun....I do this with my daughter.

Answer 5

Use of open-ended projects that emphasize process rather than product.  Don't ask the children to paint a cat, offer them paint and paper and ask what will you paint?  Make positive comments about their work.  "I love the colors you used.  Your painting is so bright and cheery."  "Why did you use a lot of black in your picture?  You made a good choice.  It really stands out."

Answer 6

Let the child do whatever the child wants In art, no barriers, no borders, complete freedom.....