Creative Arts

Creative Arts focuses on how children express themselves through creativity, imagination, and different forms of art. It’s about using imagination, creativity, and different art forms to express thoughts and feelings.

In this area, children are:

  • Exploring art materials (paint, clay, crayons, etc.).
  • Creating their own artwork.
  • Engaging in music and movement.
  • Participating in dramatic play (pretending, role-playing).
  • Responding to and appreciating different forms of art.
  • Expressing ideas and emotions creatively.

Name of Activity:

Free Paint Exploration

Originating Idea:

The children have been interested in using paint during art time and enjoy mixing colors and creating their own artwork.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

F. Creative Arts – 40. Art: Children express themselves using a variety of art materials.

Materials:

  • Paint (various colors)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paper
  • Smocks
  • Cups of water

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity:

Today, we are going to use paint to create our own artwork. You can use any colors you like and paint whatever you want. Let’s explore how the paint moves and mixes.

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child may hesitate to start. I will model a simple painting and say, “Look what happens when I mix these colors.”

Middle:
A child paints with some intention. I will ask, “Can you tell me about your picture?” or “What happens when you mix these colors?”

Later:
A child creates detailed artwork. I will encourage them by asking, “Can you add more details?” or “What else could you use to create different textures?”

End of Activity:

Today you used paint to create your own artwork. You explored colors and expressed your ideas. Tell a friend about your painting.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Try painting with different tools (sponges, cotton balls, etc.)
  • Create a class art display.

Assessment: Children were able to use art materials to express themselves creatively.

Name of Activity:

Make Your Own Music

Originating Idea: The children enjoy singing songs and using instruments during circle time, and often explore sounds with classroom materials.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

F. Creative Arts – 41. Music: Children express themselves through music.

Materials:

  • Classroom instruments (drums, shakers, tambourines, etc.)
  • Recycled materials (containers, rice/beans for shakers)
  • Music player (optional)

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity:

Today we are going to make and play our own music. You can use instruments or create your own using materials. Let’s listen to the different sounds we can make.

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child explores sounds randomly. I will model simple rhythms and say, “Can you copy this sound?”

Middle:
A child creates basic rhythms. I will ask, “Can you make your sound fast or slow?” or “Loud or quiet?”

Later:
A child creates more complex patterns. I will encourage them to lead a group rhythm or create their own short song.

End of Activity:

Today, you made music using different sounds and instruments. You explored rhythm and sound. Show a friend your favorite sound you made.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Have a small group performance.
  • Play music and move along with the rhythm.

Assessment: Children were able to explore and create sounds using instruments or materials.

Name of Activity: Dramatic Play: Grocery Store

Originating Idea:

The children often engage in pretend play and talk about going to the store with their families.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

F. Creative Arts – 43. Pretend play: Children engage in role-playing and imaginative play.

Materials:

  • Play food
  • Toy cash register
  • Shopping baskets
  • Empty food containers
  • Play money

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity: Today, we are going to turn our classroom into a grocery store. You can pretend to be a shopper, cashier, or worker. Think about what happens when you go to the store.

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child may not know how to engage in pretend play. I will model by saying, “I am the cashier. What would you like to buy?”

Middle:
A child participates in simple role-play. I will encourage more interaction by asking, “What are you buying?” or “How much does it cost?”

Later:
A child creates detailed roles and scenarios. I will extend by suggesting, “Can you make a shopping list?” or “What happens if the store runs out of something?”

End of Activity:

Today, you used your imagination to pretend and play different roles in a grocery store. You worked together and shared ideas. Tell a friend what role you played.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Change the dramatic play area to a different setting (restaurant, doctor’s office, etc.)
  • Add writing materials for making lists or signs.

Assessment:

Children were able to engage in pretend play and take on roles during the activity.