Art-And-craft Teacher - Co .Ke
Art-And-craft Teacher - Co .Ke
Art-And-craft Teacher - Co .Ke
This course will help the learner conceptualize Early Childhood Art and Craft, The module
introduces the learner to the study of Art and Craft. It may reveal aspects of Art and Craft of a
child that previously may not have been observed. It will help the learner understand importance
Art and Craft education in the school curricula with special emphasis in Early Childhood
Education (ECD), it will also give the learner the required knowledge, skills and attitudes in Pre-
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course entails definition of terms and concepts used in Art and Craft, To begin this module
we will start with a historical perspective , which will give a wide spectrum of what Art and
Craft development entails, objectives of teaching Art and Craft, elements and principles of
Art and Craft, stages of Artistic development in children, role of Art and Craft in child
Craft. Art and Craft in Early Childhood Education. Materials, tools and equipment. Techniques
and processes in at and Craft. Maintenance and storage of equipment and materials. Art as a
therapy. Safety and poisoning issues during children’s Art activities. Role of the teacher.
TEACHING/LEARNING METHODOLOGIES
This course will be offered and/or undertaken through tutorials, group discussions, group and
peer teaching and e-learning interactive forums. The learner will be required to go through this
training module, make notes based on the objectives of the course and attempt the questions given
at the end of every lesson. Tutorial classes will be organized by the university where the lecturer
will take the student through the course. The purpose of tutorials is to help the learner
conceptualize the course. It is, therefore, important to study the module before attending the
tutorials. Further reading in this area of Art and Craft is encouraged. However all information
Learning will be assessed through sit in Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs), Take Away
Assignments and a Main Examination. The CATs will constitute 30% and the Examination 70%.
MODULE ORGANIZATION
This module is organized in form of lessons. In every lesson an introduction is given. The
introduction shows what the lesson constitutes. This is followed by the lesson objectives. Then,
the learner is taken through the lesson content. The content may be sub-divided into sub-topics
depending on the nature of the topic in a lesson. A summary of what has been learnt is given. At
the end of the lesson the learner is given activities. These activities are in form of questions and/or
practical. It is good to note that this is not a text book. The content is therefore in form of lecture
notes. Further reading from text books is recommended. A list of books to refer to is given at end
of the module.
COURSE CONTENT
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1.1 Objectives
By the end of this lesson the learner should be able to:
a Define terms and concepts related to Art and Craft.
b Describe Importance of Art and Craft as a therapy
c Discuss the role of Art and Craft in child development.
Introduction
As we begin this module, it is important to understand that a child’s Art belongs to the child. No
adult interpretations or descriptions can or should describe what a child has created. This is a part
of their own process of communication and creativity.
Definition of Terms
Art -Art refers to the visual means of conveying a message. In this message the Artist conveys
emotions, woods, certain experiences and / or new ideas. The object of Art does not have to be
functional; it may simply have an aesthetic value, which may be used to convey beauty. Art is a
visual communication through elements of colour, line, shape and texture instead words. Art
conveys stages of social cognitive and emotional development.
Craft-- refer to various skills of changing working materials from their original state in to
decorative functional object(s). For instance, a piece of wood could be reshaped into a spoon
which may be then be used for cooking. Art and Craft as media of communication, to express
themselves. Just as child express themselves through gestures and sounds to communicate with
others. They may also use Art and Craft as a media for expression to their reactions to their
physical and social environment. Children’s expression will differ according to their ability and
experiences. Crafts also refer to the making of decorative or functional objects generally by hand.
Creativity- Kaplan 1986 defines creativity as the ability to approach problems in a noble
and original ways and coming up with unique solutions to approach problems.
According to oxford students dictionary, creativity is the ability to make or produce new
things using skill or imagination. The process of creativity therefore involves bringing
together physical, mental and emotional growth process of a person to support the birth of
an idea.
Importance of Art and Craft as a therapy
Crafts as so defined have certain functions. In a world that is becoming increasingly mechanized
and standardized, they give people the opportunity to work either their hands and to express the
individually. Crafts also are often used in occupational therapy, for example, a patient might be
taught a Craft to develop weakened muscles or help in gaining use of an artificial limb. An
emotionally disturbed person might be taught a Craft that would serve as an outlet for feelings.
Craftwork also provides the disabled with purposeful activity that diverts attention from their
handicap.
In the Kenya context, we too have our own perspective of what Art and Craft is. We have various
categories and they distinctively may differ because of their purpose or economic implications.
For example, we have painters who decorate bar walls particularly upcountry, those that paint
signs and those that decorate interiors.
There are also Artists who target the tourist population and design their wares in a specific way to
suit this market. You may also find because the diverse demands and variety of Art and Crafts,
the training and education of the Artistes would be just as diverse.
Art s in early childhood programs should provide opportunities for children to explore a variety of
materials choose techniques and begin to see themselves as capable Artists. The environment
should provide opportunities for young children to experience the Artistic elements of colour,
shape, form, pattern and texture. Art helps children learn to appreciate and use these elements in
their work. The early childhood teacher is both facilitator and guide who facilities the
development of creative thinkers and problem solvers. The role of Art and Craft in a child’s
development has been summarized as follows;
1.7 Activity
- Identify and classify several types of Art and Craft items you are aware of and list them.
- Observe the various types of Art and Craft items that are common in certain regions in Kenya
and list them stating their uses.
1.8 Summary
- Art is disciplined activity that can be limited to a skill or expanded to include a distinctive way
of looking at the world.
- Art is expansive and involves both skill and creative imagination in a literal, visual or
performance context.
- Craft is the making of decorative or functional items.
The first main goal in all Art experiences is not the end product but the process of creating. It
helps children expresses experiences and feelings. The expression of one’s self is what is
important, not what the finished product looks like. Lowenfeld expresses the important of the
process of creating as follows: “Art creativity cannot be imposed but must come from a spirit
within. This is not always an easy process, but the development of creative abilities is essential in
our society, and the youngster drawing reflects his creative growth both in the drawing and in the
process of making the art form (Lowenfeld and Brittain, p. 5, 1987)”.
Much of the creative process is expended in the manipulative experience of tying materials out
and becoming acquainted with them. Young children are more interested in doing than producing.
As we deal with young children, we should be ware of this and avoid putting unnecessary
pressure on children to produce work that “we want: Let us let them free to be, although that does
not mean that we should not supervise them.
As teachers we should plan for the needs of the children. This means as we plan activities for
children, they should cater for their age, abilities and interest levels. The teacher’s role at this
level is to maximize the children’s use of these resources as they continue to develop their
imaginations in art experiences.
Another objective of the early childhood art programme is to give each child a chance to be
original and learn to work independently. In Art work, a child can use and explore all kinds of
materials. This encourages original divergent thought. Also giving children material that they can
control at their physical level encourages independent work.
Art helps children to be creative thinkers by working freely and independently. Creative children
work freely and flexibly. If a child does not feel secure, safe and comfortable with themselves the
teacher and the other children , they will not be able to take the risk of meeting challenges of
getting involved in Art work. Children must know that their ideas and feelings they have, and the
Art they produce will be accepted and respected (See Feldt, 1995).
Art awakens the creative talents in children since it allows the young children to express
themselves at a time they are largely non-verbal. Children love to paint and colour being an
essential part of painting, plays a vital role in child’s life must encourage self – expression from
scribbling in earlier years to mature statements in paint and line when a child is older.
Art helps children acquire skills that will assist the co-ordination of their small motor
development (eye – hand coordination) and preparation for writing readiness. Further, it
encourages children to develop positive attitudes and appreciation work by themselves and others.
It also develops self – confidence and provides relaxation and enjoyment. Therefore, it is
important not to criticize child’s work especially in the presence of others, instead, draw attention
to their work and speak positively about it.
Art develops observation skills in given context and to develop imagination through Art work
related to stories and songs. Art develops experience in handling different varieties of materials
and to relate them to daily life. It increases creative problem solving, decision making and
abstract thinking abilities. It also increases awareness of an appreciation for an aesthetic
environment. Aesthetic awareness grows with age and this start s with the child’s respect for
things within the environment.
Remember, as we interact with young children we must allow time to grow, explore and
experiment with materials at their own pace.
- Emotional – children express their feelings through art. Their work is affected by
their moods, feelings, experiences and new ideas. You can also see their joy, anger
and struggles. A teacher should learn to be sensitive and to read into the child’s Art
work, not making interpretations for the child.
- Intellectual – The intellect of a child is developed through various ways, the most
important influence being their environment. If children are made aware of their
environment, by being asked questions, being talked to, they are more likely to be
well informed than children whom are not talked to.
- Language – during art activities, a teacher should take the initiative to improve and
develop a child’s language and to correct common mistakes children make. For
instance, saying he instead of she or mixing up of tenses. Pre school teacher should
not discourage any child’s activity if it is not harmful even if it looks incomplete
and unreal to the teacher. The teacher should be flexible and allow children time to
complete activity to satisfy their curiosity, if it does not interfere with other
regulated school activates.
There will be significant behavioral changes, as children get involved in Art. For instance, it will
be noticed that over a period of time that, there will be an increased in the attention span for
working. This attention span is consistent with other subject areas. At first, when children draw
and paint, it looks like a meaningless scribble, however, self- expression must be encouraged,
from scribble at baby stage to mature statement in paint and line up to seven years.
In this stage, children’s drawing begin to exhibit some form of organization pre-schoolers begin
to develop better eye hand coordination; they are able to make shapes and control their placement
on the page. They begin to produce basic forms and lines. It is important for young children to
have quality tools at this stage development. Good tools support their growing abilities and
provide opportunities for successful experiences.
Figure 2:4: Basic forms Age 3.2 Years
Figure 2.5: Basic forms Age 3.4 years
Representational Art
- Preschematic is a stage between 4- 7 years of age. In this stage of development, children begin
to use symbols in their work However, these symbols may not clearly approximate the objects
they represent. Their pictures are seen in this stage as children draw a variety of forms and
pictures are seen in this stage as children draw a variety of forms and combine them into a variety
of forms. Often, the first symbol used in the pictorial stage is a person, composed of a round head
and lines for legs. Young children also combine other basic symbols from previous drawing to
represent various symbols in their environment. For example, a tree is composed of a circle and
lines. As children attach meaning of symbols they frequently name the objects included in their
pictures. They continue to draw as they see things from their own perspective. This is
demonstrated by drawing of their family outside their home. The picture includes all the family
but the largest person in the drawing is the child.
It is important to remember that although there are common characteristics during the periods of
Artistic development, there also individual variations. Children in the same stage of development
or even the same chronological age will vary significantly the Art they produce. Teachers need to
be aware of this to cater for individual needs. Children’s growing awareness is gradually reflected
in their pictures as the ability to interpret their environment increases. As the process continues
the teacher and children can evaluate their progress and consider how pictures may be varied,
different media to use.
Activity
- Collect various children’s Art work of the same age and note their differences and similarities.
- Collect a varied sample of Art work of different age groups and note if there are significant
variations in the age groups.
2.9 Summary
- A child’s Art work may be a useful guide to monitor a child’s physical emotional, intellectual
and language growth.
- Developmental stages as revealed through Art work in the early years involve the physical,
emotional, intellectual and language.
- The stage of Artistic development can be simply divided into three stages Scribble, Basic form
and Pictorial.
- It is important to remember that although there are common characteristic during the periods of
artistic development, there also individual variation. Children in the same stage of development or
even the same chronology age will vary significantly the Art they produce. Teachers need to be
aware of this to cater for individual needs.
2.10 Further Reading
1. Gaitskell C. and Al Hurwitz, children and their Art methods for elementary school, New York:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1975.
2. Gardner, H. Art, Mind and Brain, New York: Basic Books 1982.
3. Haskell, L.L. Art in the Early Childhood Years. Charles E. Merrill Publishing Company 1979.
4. Isbell, R.T and S.C. Raines Creativity and the Art s with Young Children. Del learning
2003.
5. Jackman L.H Early Education Curriculum, A child’s connection to the World Delmar
Publishers 1997.
6. Kellog, R. Analysing Children’s Art. Palo Alto, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company 1969.
7. Lowendeld, V. and Brittain, W. Lambert, creative and mental growth, 6th edition York:
Macmillan publishing Co. 1975.
8. Schirrmache, R. Art and Creative Development in Young Children 4th edition Clifton Park,
NY: Delmar 2002.
LESSON THREE
3.0 DRAWING AND PAINTING
3.1 Objectives
By the end of this lesson the learner should be able to: -
a Identify elements of Art and their relationship to drawing
b Explain Different types of drawing
c Describe Painting and the different materials used for painting.
d Describe Properties of colour
5) The different qualities of line can be combined into the following, movement and distance.
When you look at the example below you can see how movement and distance have been
effectively created, simply by the use of line!
The different lines shapes and sizes create movement. The picture below shows this.
3.4 Painting
- Painting in all its forms, provides sensory experiences, it allow as for co-ordinate use of many
body muscles, encourages language development, helps with the judgment of spatial
relationships. It also provides an opportunity for manipulation and experimentation and develops
form perception. It develops skills for handling a brush and other Art materials and tools. It
develops skills that are used in reading and writing. The curves patterns and lines that children
make are similar to writing. The awareness of spatial relationship and configurations on the pages
relates to reading skills. Distinguishing painted forms, lines and patterns from the background
requires the same discrimination as reading. Organizing the Art environment will help make these
activities successful. Painting uses many of the same techniques as drawing, but only difference
in the use of colour. In painting, you use many colours whereas in drawing you use only one
colour. It may not be necessary to purchase all the colours. Use the primary colours to obtain
other colours. Other materials include wax, crayons, coloured pencils, markers, pencil, chalk,
pastel and charcoal. Brushes come in different sizes from number one to number ten. The large
brushes are used for painting large surface while the smaller brushes are used for fine details.
Pallette is a container that looks like a baking tray queen cakes. It could be used for mixing paints
or it could be a container holding paints. Remember we could improvise by using empty Kimbo
or Blue band containers to mix paint or for storage purposes.
3.5 Colour
Painting involves the use of one or more different colours. We can put colours into two main
groups, primary and secondary colours.
- Primary colours are pure colours that cannot be made by mixing other colours. These are red,
yellow and blue.
- Secondary colours, green, orange and purple. To get green, mix blue and yellow, orange, mix
red and yellow and purple mix blue and red. Black and white is neutral colours, they cannot be
obtained by mixing other colours but if you mix them together you will get grey. Cool colours are
basically those that we associate with the sky, the sea and other water bodies and also sense of
security. This may explain why hospital walls and banks use these colours. Warm colours are
those we associate with fire, red orange and yellow. These are the colours that associated with
excitement; we are likely to find them in nightclubs and bars. Warm colours tend to stand out
more than cool colours. Cool colours tend to move into the background.
- Harmony is when the elements and principles of Art have played their rightful role. In other
words, it means a piece of Art that is well balanced and interesting. It could be a combination of
the use of different colour, pattern, and shape etc and so on.
- Balance in a picture is achieved when the elements of Art are mingled with a combination of
factors such as size, colour, and proportion and so on. However at pre-school age we are not
looking for this particular aspect as children draw what they know. As pre school teachers should
want encourage children to draw without too much censoring.
- Perspective plays an important part in drawing and painting. Perspective is a formula for
showing distance (space) and depth (volume) on a two dimensional surface. There are two types
of perspective in Art, linear and aerial perspective. Linear perspective concerns liens, forms and
objects of different sizes and in different positions as they appear to you while aerial perspective
concerns colour and how tones and colours of objects change as they go further away from you.
Aerial perspective helps create the illusion of distance in a picture.
3.7 ACTIVITY
-collect items with different textures and use them to do rubbing use crayons
-place the item under a paper and rub the crayon on top for result
-create a picture with varied and media.
-take a piece of paper 30cm*40cm in size
-Divide this into a number of rectangular areas of uneven sizes
-create a pattern over the whole piece of paper
-complete the design by various media in each rectangle. The media may pencil shading, biro, use
of colored pencils markers and so on.
3.8 SUMMARY
Drawings and paintings can be made more exciting by using varied material
.The elements of Art all the different part s that on there own or together with each other, make
up apiece
.The elements of Art include, line measure, type, location colored, value and texture
.colour can change a whole environment and even a person’s emotion.
.The elements and principles of Art are combination of many things and together a piece of
work is produced. the principle of Art are: balance, rhythm, dominance, harmony and
perspective.
3.9Activity
As a pre schoolteacher, you should set up the development ally appropriate environment provide a
variety of safe material for children to use for creative activities. For instance avoid sharp pointed
scissors and provide the round edged scissor. Provide opportunities for child centered/directed Art
experience, and offer support and encouragement to the children as you observe their unique
creations. As a provider of safe materials and material the teacher should be sensitive to the
children’s need ideas. As a facilitator the material you have provided for Art to ensure
appropriateness try out be ready to help children develop their ideas in handling the various
materials provide.
New activities create interest in the children. The activities will vary in different age groups and
children should be left to make their own creations.
An environment for creative expression to flourish (schmirrmacher, 1993). There is no right or
wrong way to provide many opportunities for the child to do so, as pre school teachers, was
should facilities the development of creative thinkers and problem solvers young children learn by
active involvement with people and by manipulating object, it becomes clear that teacher directed
activities such as workbooks worksheets/patters [etc] may not be appropriate for young children
/bredekamp/1987).
4.4 Displays
Children need to know that their work is valued. We as teachers can ensure that this happens by
presenting their work in a well planned, stimulating display to which all children have
contributed. A good display will be referred to constantly by the children and will stimulate
further ideas. It may even lead to other areas of investigation. Displays should therefore be seen as
an important part of investigation. Displays should therefore be seen as an important part of
everyday life of a school, enriching the children’s experience and encouraging an imaginative and
enthusiastic approach to learning. Create interest by displaying a variety of work. If it is an Art
project do not put identical work next to each other. If the work is similar vary the colour of the
amount on which each work is displayed. There are several things you could do to vary how you
can make children’s two dimensional work look attractive. This can be done by putting borders on
the children’s work for instance by using a thick felt pen. (Marker) to put lines round the edges of
the child’s drawing or other Art work. Other ways of decorating their work is to cut strips of
coloured paper, used magazines, newspaper and gluing it round the edges of the children’s work.
You could also paste the child’s Art work onto a coloured piece of paper this is called a mount.
Below is an example of a boarder, it serves like a picture frame. Making the child’s work
attractive.
Figure 1
To make your classroom attractive and stimulating it is essential that you have interesting display.
At the beginning of the term you may not have children’s work to display, you could put up the
following displays, colour, shape sizes and a rough and smooth display. You could put up any of
these displays even within the term. Display children’s work where they can comfortably see it. It
is important to label and give titles to children’s work. This helps children in reading and being
aware of linking letters with pictures. Also to label chart s and other items in the classroom, for
instance furniture, chair, door etc.
Take a walking trip with children and encourage children to look around, on the trip
gather a collection of objects for a "touch and see" display. Dramatize stories, animals
etc. Exhibit sincere pleasure when a discovery is announced and share it with others
in the group. Encourage children to bring materials from home to incorporate them
into their Art.
• Offer cast offs, and found materials such as the local! Tailor may have pieces of
material they may not need. Items such as banana fibre pieces, used envelopes,
newspaper that can be used as accessories or tools for Art work. Children will find a
variety of ways to create with. For example, they may use plastic bottle tops to make a
bracelet. Make papers available in many kinds, shapes, and colours. The variety
will lead to more responses and experimentation with techniques.
When properly motivated the child eagerly examines materials and looks forward to
preceding the activity. A successful experience is one in which each child is inspired to
express their own ideas. Most children are eager to- express themselves through
drawing, painting and other Art experiences, however, some children may need more
encouragement than others to express themselves in some of these areas. Sometimes a
few motivating ideas from the teacher can liven up a child who seems less motivated
than others.
4.6 Activity
Write your own definition of creativity. Refer to an authority, text and compare
definitions.
Create a list of found materials that the children you teach and you could collect to
make Art projects.
4.7 Summary
• A teacher is a facilitator and an observer
• Physical organization of classroom and outside space is essential in stimulating
creativity.
• Displays encourage children to value other children's work and their own
• Displays can be theme based for instance shape, texture or a collection of
varied children's work
• Story telling and encouraging children to draw can be used to encourage
spontaneous expression
5.1 Objectives
By the end of the end of the lesson the learner should be able to:
Long before they enter the classroom, most children have already discovered their
footprints or handprints, made as they walk or play in mud or wet sand. Relief
prints are created in a similar manner. An object is pressed against a flat surface to
create a design that may be repeated over and over again. Generally the process of
relief printing consists of applying paint to an object and pressing onto the paper
Emphasis should be on the free manipulation of objects and experimentation with
colour, design, and techniques. You as a teacher may begin by encouraging
children to search for objects from the home or classroom. Household items, kitchen
utensils, hardware, discarded materials, and many objects of nature are useful in
relief printing. Gradually, the child learns to look and discover textures, colours and
patterns that exist around them and in their environment. In their first attempts to
organize shapes into a design, young children usually work in a random manner.
Preliminary experiments help them develop a better understanding of the printmaking
process and of the possibilities for variety of design.
Constant scrubbing
Each time a child wants to use a different colour encourage them to either. Wash
their brush in clean water you have provided or use specific brushes for each colour.
Paint hands and feet and then "print" them on paper as a natural beginning to
printmaking Children may observe and discuss examples of repeat designs in
clothing, wrapping paper and on surfaces in which objects appear again and again, up
and down, across the whole surface. Printing techniques that can be used by young
children include:
Blot printing
The materials that are required are mixed paint, paper, and paintbrushes.
• Take a piece of paper fold into two equal halves
• Open the paper flat again,
• Take your already mixed paint using a brush drop some blots of paint as
close a possible to the center, each time you can use a different colour.
• Now fold the paper again and press down and rub gently.
• The result will be identical prints on both halves of the paper.
Below is an example of a blot print
Figure 5,1
Blow printing: materials required; paper, paintbrushes and clean straws one for each
child and mixed thin paint. Have a clean sheet paper in front of you. Then dip a brush
into the colour that you wish.
Put some drops onto the clean paper, repeat this action several times and use different
colours if you so wish. Then blow the paint all over the paper. The result would be
seaweed like. This technique could be useful for project work and can be used for branch
like effects.
Bubble printing: materials that will be required include mixed powder paint, washing
up liquid or omo and water; clean paper and clean straws. Use wide bowl and unused
straws to blow bubbles, cover the top of the bowl with the paper to get bubble prints: this
effect is good for a water body, sea, river and sky projects.
Fingerprinting: materials required include paint that should be thickened by adding
flour or paste and a clean paper. Put mixture in bowl on children's table, and Jet
children play with the paint using their fingers. Ask them to make patterns etc on the
table and place the paper on the table and press gently. The result is a print. The other
option is to ask children to dip their finger into the paint and put their images on the
paper.
Leaf printing: materials required will include paint, clean paper, paintbrushes and
leaves. Begin by painting the vein side the bottom side of the leaf and press onto the
paper. These could be cut round and be used to make branches for a tree or as feathers
for an owl etc.
Spatter painting: materials that will be required include a toothbrush, mixed paint and
clean paper. Using the toothbrush dip the bristles in paint, using the tips of your fingers
flick the bristles, the result will be drops of paint will scatter on your paper.
Monoprinting: The word mono means one. Therefore a monoprint is a single print or
image, which cannot be reproduced. Monoprints are made from one surface to
another. Let us, afF look at materials you would need for moncprinting. Paper, a
surface that does not absorb ink, for instance sheet of glass or metal. You will be dealing
with young children it may be safer to use a formica surface.
Oil based or powder colour mixed with glue a tool for applying ink, for instance a brush
and a drawing tool. Make a print by following the steps: Put the glass or metal sheet on a
firm surface.
Spread ink on the surface you have chosen, even if it is the formica surface like the table.
Take your drawing tool .it may be a pointed stick, an old ballpoint or pointed instrument
that is safe for children to use. Use the too! to draw a pattern or the image that you want.
Take a clean sheet of paper lay it carefully on the inked surface. Apply pressure with
your hand, press down do not move the paper. Remove the sheet of paper from the inked
surface, the picture has been transferred from the surface to the paper. The illustration
below is an example of a rnonoprint.
Figure 5.2
Potato printing: materials required will include potatoes, a blunt knife, mixed paint
and clean paper. First, cut out designs out of a potato and paint its surface and then
place it onto a paper and then print. The cutting out of the designs can be done by the
teacher however if the children have relatively good eye hand and muscle control,
you may allow them to do it for themselves but they should use a blunt knife, for
example a butter knife. You do not have t use a potato use any material that you can
carve, example an old slipper and other materials that are locally available and
inexpensive.
The creative teacher demonstrates any necessary processes of using materials and tools
without dictating what the final product will look like. You as the teacher will provide
stimulation and guidance in the children's original ideas and encourages children to
experiment with various objects and techniques.
5.4 Activity
5.5 Summary.
1.
2.
1. Haskell, L L. Art in the Early Childhood Years. Charles E. Merrill Publishing
Company. 1979
2. Isbell, R. T and S. C. Raines Creativity and the Art s with Young Children.
Delmar Learning.
2003
6.1 Objectives
At the end of this lesson the learner should be able to;
a. Understand patterning as an essential part of learning
b. Use basic forms to develop patterns using geometric and shapes from nature.
Patterning is a way for children to see order in their world. As children repeat the
origins and forms they may introspectively learn the concept of repetition. For infants,
patterning is recognizing the human face with eyes, nose and mouth in a specific place.
For older infants, it is looking in the mirror helps them to place their face in the same
pattern! Toddlers asking for the same book to be read again and again soon begin to read
the story along with their teacher. When they do this they are placing events in the
story in a s e q u e n c e . F o r p r e s c h o o l e r s a n d of the same shape or colour is part of
patterning. Auditory patterning is repeating sounds such as loud, soft etc a practical way of
introducing tactile patterning is by creating a texture board with articles that are smooth,
rough, etc, then progress into asking children to do a print more than once and so on.
You can use these geometrical shapes either on their own or in combination. For example
we can use a square and a circle.
Figure 5 Figure 6.3
We can arrange the square and the circle in many different ways. Let's begin by
putting the circle within the square. This gives us our basic motif.
Figure 6.4 Figure 6.5
We can improve the basic motif by adding lines and other circles. The motif is then repeated.
When the motif is repeated, a pattern is made.
Here is the pattern based on the circle- within -a- square motif.
Figure 6.6
When you want to create motifs from nature and man made objects the principle f is the
same. You can simply the forms, for instance when drawing from nature. \Select a
section of leaves and draws the basic outline.
Figure 6.7
6.3 Activity
• On a clean sheet of A-4 paper create a repeat pattern based on two different
geometrical shapes
On a clean sheet of A-4 paper create a repeat pattern based on a notify from
nature Colour both your pieces of work
6.4 Summary
A motif is a single unit of a pattern when you repeat a motif you create a
pattern you can create motifs based on geometrical shapes, from nature, and
man made motifs.
Children involved with Art develop sensory awareness, aesthetic appreciation, self-
expression, and improve visual and motor coordination. The process of
experimenting with and creating two- and three-dimensional projects from a
variety of media connects children to another facet of their world. Davidson
(1996) tells us: "When children are introduced to a new medium, they explore
what can be done with it. It is not only after exploration that that children will
begin to use the materials imaginatively" It is exciting for, children to know what
the materials they use can do, to be in control of a material, before putting it to use
to create something.
Cutting is not necessarily associated with pasting for the beginning child. A child 'will
learn to cut for the pure joy of learning to manipulate the tool, learning to snip is
the beginning of cutting. Provide strips of paper that provide opportunities to allow
children to experiment. Scissors for young children should be blunt- ended, for
safe use. We have already talked about other two-dimensional activities mainly
drawing, using markers, crayons and chalk. Paper is a basic necessity of any two-
dimensional Art activity! It has many uses as a medium of expression. As we discussed
earlier there is a wide variety of paper available. Comes in different sat- colours sizes,
shapes and textures each kind of paper has its own kind of use. From the previous
chapters you already have an idea what a useful material paper is. That can be used for
several purposes: to draw on it, paint, colour, make patterns, make items requirement
and For paper Craft you need fairly stiff paper sometimes known as card or you may
use manila paper. To make your .work you could buy different coloured paper. If white
is the only colour available then you could paint it, colour the paper using crayons felt
tips or even coloured pencils Origami is a form of paper Craft that involves only
folding is no cutting or pasting. The origin of origami is Japan. The examples in this
lecture are some of the more common techniques and probably you may have some
experience of other techniques, feel free to use that knowledge and practice those
techniques. Some of the common paper treatments are illustrated below. The
common paper treatments are illustrated below
t——^
Figure 7.1
The following are the main items of equipment you need for paper Craft you may, not need them
all of the same time. Paper, pencil, a ruler and compasses, cutting tools, e.g. a pair of scissors and
glue
Paper Motifs
Here is how to make a simple cut - out motif. Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half.
Figure 7.2
Carefully cut around the outline you have drawn, use sharp scissors.
Figure 7.4
Remove the cut out section of paper. Open it out flat you have a cut out motif. This motif is
heart shaped.
Figure 7.5
You can make coloured motifs by using coloured paper. Or you could use
finished motif. The motif you have just made is symmetrical. This means that each half is
identical to the other.
Paper is a flat material. It is two-dimensional. It has length and breadth but not depth. Three
dimensions include length, breadth or width and depth. However, you can use paper to create
three-dimensional forms. The main techniques you need are folding, rolling, cutting and
casting.
Here are some hints when folding card, stiff paper is made easier to fold by doing the
following. First draw a line on the card with a ruler and pencil to show where a fold will be.
Figure 7.13
Then take a ruler and a knife. Use the blunt edge of the knife to score along the line. Run the
knife two or three times along the line. Do not press too hard.
Figure 7.14
For some of children, paper Craft may not be a new experience. You may find that school going
primary children could show you very interesting paper Craft designs.
7.4 Activity
Make a paper Craft using one of the methods illustrated in the lecture
7.5 Summary
Let us try and remember what we have learnt in this lecture by reading the summary
below
• Origami is a paper Craft technique that does not involve quite cutting or pasting. The
main techniques are folding, rolling, cutting and pasting
8.1 Objectives
At the end of the lesson the learner should be to:
a. Describe a brief history of collage
b. Discuss the resources used for collage and mosaic
c. Explain how to help a child get start ed in collage and mosaic activities
Tearing, cutting, and gluing offer individual activities to .young children and
provide small muscle development and tactile experiences; offer opportunities for
controlling scissors and direction of cutting for creative purposes provide
discovery of form shapes, colours and sizes, and textures; Develop eye-hand
coordination % and encourage verbal communication and charm. An early
exploration with paste seems to be a tactile experience, and becomes the basis for
making collages with children. Pasting activities may start by using contrasting
papers. You could collect a variety of shapes and textures for children to paste on
surfaces that will comfortably hold the weight of the varied materials you would use.
One-way children become aware of things around them are by touching. Through
manipulation of everyday objects, they grow in sensitivity to shapes and textures and
discover ways to use them in creating new ways and forms and images. When joining
a collage you should consider using strong glue as you may have a varied group of
items of different textures and weights and a strong base.
8.2 Collage
This term comes from the French word 'collier which means to slick or to glue. A
collage therefore is a picture, which is made up of different materials stuck to a base
or ground. A collage is the product of selecting, organizing, and arranging materials of
contrasting colour and texture and attaching them or a flat ground. When collages were
first made they had only papers of different kind stuck to a base. Later bits of cloth,
buttons, grass metals, and ail sorts of odds began to appear in pictures.
8.3. Resources for Mosaic and Collage
• Grounds are the surfaces you can work on, such as paper, cloth, stiff cardboard, and
plywood. The choice of the base will depend on the weight of the material(s).
Primers these are the substances that are applied to the ground, especially if that ground is
very smooth, such as powder paint^ emulsion paint. It is usually white; it helps your
objects stick better and makes your collage more durable. You may need to use a primer
on hard board or wood because the surface is brown White-powder paint mixed with
"cold paste is the cheapest and most readily available primer you can use. Commercial
emulsion paints also make good primers.
Adhesives: Is glue or paster of water paste, flour pages, and commercial pastes such as
carpenters glue.
Miscellaneous: paper, seeds such as beans, green grams (ndengu) plastic objects, banana
fibre, scissors, cutting tools etc.
Types of collage
Seed collage. Press a ball of clay into a plastic lid. Arrange seeds, beans and
other grains onto the clay. Press into the clay and allow to dry Patchwork
collage. Divide a piece of cardboard into several rectangular spaces using a
pencil and a ruler. Fill each rectangle with one type off junk and glue on.
Texture collection. Select a texture theme soft, hard, smooth. Find objects at home
in the classrooms that have these textures. Glue this collection onto a base. Display
in the classroom.
8.5 Mosaic
When making a mosaic the principles that are used for making a collage are
similarly However the finishes or/and may differ because of the variety of
materials used. The different objects stand out in relief against the background. In a
mosaic you use only one type of material. Mosaic comes from the Greek word
Mousaikos that referred to any Art protected by the Muses.
The Muses were, according to Greek legends goddesses of poetry and music.
The Egyptians and the Persians practiced the Art of surface decoration in mosaic.
Mosaics have been found in Tripoli, Turkey, Mexico in South America, and in
nearly all the countries of modern Europe namely Italy, Spain, France,
Switzerland, Germany and Hungary. At first mosaics were confined to floor
surfaces which were confined to floor surfaces which were covered with broad
patterns and stones or marble cut in geometric shapes. However, it was if the wall
apportion of churches and mosaic that mosaics reached perfection. Today
mosaics are still utilized for the surface decoration of civic, buildings, homes,
churches, and mosques. Mosaics are also part of household items such as tabletops,
lampshades and stands, wall pictures, vases, and trinket boxes Mosaic is basically
making a picture using one material. When doing mosaic the following points
should be considered.
•Make sure that you have enough material before you start:-
• Put the different coloured pieces of whatever material you are going to use in
different containers such as plastic bags.
• If you are covering a three-dimensional surface in mosaic, first a drawing of your
motif, or picture on a piece of a paper. Then transfer this on the surface to be decorated.
.
•Make sure that the surface you are decorating is clean, before you start pasting
your mosaic pieces. When dealing with young children remember to involve them in
the preparation. You may be doing an activity on shapes you could draw an outline
of the shape you have been teaching. Ask the children to cut or tear the material they
are going to use. Then ask the child to put paste in the area that is to be filled.
Finally ask the child to fill the area with the selected materialize resourceful look for
locally available materials that need not be expensive, for instance used colored
magazines, beans, buttons and any other reusable materials that can be used for
picture making" You may ask children to participate in bringing in reusable material,
by telling them verbally and writing a note to their parents or guardians. There are
some mosaics that have been done on buildings locally for instance in Nairobi such as
on the walls of Kenyatta University library and the General Post Office, just to
mention a few. Collage and mosaic are forms of picture making, it a form of visual
expression and should be encouraged also because of the tactile intellectual a
social stimulation and interaction it offers.
8.6 Activity
8.7 Summary
Collage is a picture made where you use more than one material, it creates a three
dimensional effect. Collage is the product of selecting, organizing, and arranging materials
of contrasting colour and texture and attaching them to a flat ground.
Mosaic is a picture made using only one material for instance paper
3 Isbell, R. T and S, C. Raines Creativity and the Art s with Young Children.
Delmar Learning. 2003
9.0 PUPPETRY
9.1 Objectives
At the end of the lesson the learner should be able to:
A puppet can be defined as a non- living figure moved by human hands. There are three
different types of puppets. These are: glove puppets, rod, and puppets and modulates. Puppets
can teach, entertain and delight children and adults.
As you endeavor to learn about puppets make, teach with them and teach
children to make them. You will find that the use of puppetry can enrich all
the curriculum areas in your early childhood programme. An important
point to observe is a child’s positive self esteem which can be enhanced by
using a puppet to mirror feelings, creativity and learning processes. A
child’s connection to the world can excite when puppets are used. For
young children, the discovery of themselves as puppeteers can be a
wonderful discovery of who they are . Their excitement enthusiasm and
imagination in creating and sharing will become contagious to
others, adults and children alike.
9.3Importance of Puppets
You as the teacher could put two eyes, a nose and a mouth on the child's thumb
and finger’s with a felt tip. You win fine some of the children may not want to wash
their finger after this activity. They like their puppets and would want to keep them.
Below are two examples.
Figure 9.1
The hand it is worn on, controls the puppet and it is worn on the hand like a
glov e. You can make a very simple glove puppet can be made from sock and Put
your hand in a sock and by moving your fingers you can make different shapes,
Practice moving your fingers in different ways inside the sock.
Figure 9,2
Now you can begin adding some features to your puppet e.g. eyes. Here is a puppet with
eyes.
Figure 9.3
The eyes could be cut out of coloured paper, which could be pasted on or sewn on
some buttons like socks buttons sequins. .You can then add some hair using wool or
add hair extensions (hair piece) to --complete your hand puppet and then add some ears.
This you could do by simply cutting out the shape you wish and sew them on.
Figure 9.4
You can have lots of fun with simple glove puppets and make up stories or tell stories
using the puppets. Below are more examples of hand puppets.
Figure 9.5
Marionettes or String Puppets
These figures are moved by a control to which strings are attached. The
control is held above the puppets head (airplane control) and from it the puppets are
made to move marionettes, controlling by strings offer an extra range of expression
and full body movement.
As pre school teacher, We should appreciate the skills needed to make an operate a
marionette, it is important to think through and plan each step when making a marionette
The airplane control is usually the simplest design to manipulate, with one string to the
head and a string to each of the hands. Children need time to experiment and to
experience the frustration of the puppet not working the first time it is tried. It is
important to support them through their frustration, the failure and success of
making and manipulating a marionette is part of their development process.
Maintenance and care of the marionettes is also part of the experience. To avoid
tangling the strings, the marionettes should be hung after is used. Hanging marionettes
makes them distinctive classroom decorations.
Figure 9.6
Stick or Rod puppets
A single stick controls stick or rod puppets. A smaller character
might be placed on a straw. The figure itself can be cut from
magazines, wrapping paper, from newspapers and hand drawn or
traced picture. Then it is stuck on to the stick or straw. An
example of a rod puppet is shown below.
Figure 9.7
9.5 Activity
• Make a list of the various materials that may be used for making the
puppets you have learnt.
• Make one of the puppets we have learnt about and use it during your
classroom teaching.
9.6 Summary
Let us remind ourselves what we learnt in this lecture:
• Young Children can explore and stretch their abilities in all developmental areas through the
process of creating and operating their puppets. They are:
Experiencing the sheer joy of playing and fantasizing.
Developing positive self-images and independence.
Using a safe and acceptable outlet for expressing themselves,
Expanding vocabulary and communication skills,
Improving social skills by sharing and communicating ideas.
'Learning problem-solving skills and abstract thinking.
i.Forston, I. R. and Reiff, J.C Early Childhood Curriculum, Boston, Ma: Allyn and Bacon,
1995Haskeil, L. L. Art in the Early Childhood Years. Charles E. Merrill
ii.Publishing Company. 1979Hen5on, C. The Muppets make puppets. New York:
iii.workman publishing 1994
iv.Isbell. R. T and S. C. Raines Creativity and the Art s with Young Children. Albany; NY
Delmar Learning. 2003
v.Isbell. R. T. and S. C. Raines Stones and Children's Literature in Early Childhood Education
Albany, NY; Delmar publishers 1994
vi.JacKman, L, H. Early Education Curriculum, A Child's Connection to the World. Delmar
Publishers. 1997
vii.Kaderbhai, T. A. Revision Art . Oxford University Press, Nairobi. 1994
viii.KaderbhaiT. A. Discovering An, Oxford University
ix.Press, Nairobi. 1989
x.MalkatS. and D. Smith. Art and Craft Workbook. Dhillon Publishers
Limited,
LESSON TEN
10.0 ORNAMENT MAKING
10.1 Objectives
At the end of the lesson the learner should be able to:
a. Describe the different types of ornaments
b. Explain factors to consider when designing an
ornament
The following are the pArt s of the body which are most often worn:
• The ears: earrings
• The neck: necklace
• The fingers: rings
• The arms and wrists: bracelets and bangles
• The ankles: anklets
• The ankles: anklets
Factors to consider when designing ornaments
Size; Ornaments must fit the person wearing them. In some cases the
size is not very important. A Chain to be worn around the neck, for
example, does not have to fit exactly, but a ring won on th e finger
must fit.If you are designing a bangle or a finger ring,you should take
measurements before you begin working.You may do this with a piece
of string or thread.
Materilals:There are different types of materials that are used for
making ornaments.For instance precious metals like gold,silver and
platinum.Ornaments can be made with local materials like
seeds,straws,paper.papier-mache,old rubber slippers,wire etc
Activity
Make a simple ornament using locally available material that is
functional
10.6 Further Reading
The term three-dimensional Art refers to any Art form that has at least three sides. Three
dimensional Art is in the round which means that one can look at it from all sides. Modeling with
clay, working with play dough, making creations with paper boxes and creating other
sculpture forms are examples of three dimensional Art .
At all the ages,working with clay gives the child many chances for creative experiences.
Most children like the feel of clay they like to pound it, roll it poke holes in it , find fun working with
clay and pull it apArt . The end product is not as important as using it. Children who perceive clay as
messy or slimy however may not want to work with it.
Pottery/ceramics,sculpture,modeling with clay,play dough and clay are some of the
materials and activities that are useful in three dimensional activities.The sensory
experience of working with a variety of textures encourages young children to
experiment , explore and discover original ways to create Art . These activities can
help release emotional tensions and frustrations; work with their hands; develop small
muscles; and provide opportunities to manipulate, construct and learn about spatial
relationships.
11.3 Definition of Ceramics
This is the Art of making Art icles from clay. Ceramic items are first shaped using
various techniques and then heated at high temperatures to harden them.
From the list you must be familiar with some of the items Basically ceramic items are
those that we may use and often see. The Art of ceramics dates back thousands of
years. To begin with, ceramic Art icles were mostly containers. Different countries had
their own individual styles, and even within the same
Country. The different peoples of Kenya have their own pottery styles e.g
Clay, which is transported this way and deposited elsewhere is called secondary
or sedimentary clay. Clay deposits are found along riverbanks, where eArt h has been
excavated for construction work, and in quarries. Before it can be used in the production of
ceramic Art icles, a certain amount of preparation is required.
Clay preparation we are going to assume that the day to be worked is impure clay that has
been collected from a riverbank or some place. Such clay will contain many impurities in
the form of organic matter. It therefore needs to be purified before it can be used.
• Collect the amount of clay that you require, leave the clay to dry out
completely
• The clay is now kneaded the same way you would knead dough for chapati
or bread. Using heel of the palm of your hands. Press downwards, then lift the edge
furthest from you back toward you. Knead severally until your clay has a fairly
dough like consistency.
The next stage of clay reparation is called wedging. This is done in order to remove
air trapped in the clay. If the air were not removed, there would be major defects
in the finished product after firing.
The edges should have wooden handles for a good grip and to avoid injury on your hands
as you work with the wire. Wedging is done by cutting the clay into thick slabs with a wire.
The slabs are then thrown down very hard with as much force as possible. The slabs are
thrown down in a different order each time so that each time air is forced out. This process is
repeated severally.
To test whether the clay has been properly kneaded and wedged, cut off a slice with a length of
wire. The cut surface should be completely free from air bubbles you should also test the
consistency of the clay. The clay should not stick onto your hand. On the other hand it should
not be so hard that it does not give under pressure.
Storage
The correct storage of clay is essential so that it is suitable to use at any time. Clay must
be stored in conditions which the clay is not exposed to air. Since it will harden and will
not be usable. There are different ways you could store your clay.
• Dig a wide hole in the ground;
• Line the hole with plastic paper;
• Put the prepared clay in plastic bags and arrange them in a hole;
• Cover this with another plastic sheet and place a wooden board over them.
• Spread a layer of soil over this board.
(2) The other method of storage would be to store the clay into a plastic container with a
lid. Plastic containers are good for storage of clay because they do not rust and are
easy to clean. Wrap the clay first in plastic paper before putting it into the plastic
container, In different communities they may store clay differently. Are you
aware of alternative methods of storage? For smaller quantities, it is quite similar,
as we shall find out later in the lesson. We will continue to define other terms and
processes in pottery/ceramics.
Grog is thepotter's term for clay that has been fired (heated at very high
temperatures) and then reduced to a coarse powder, The fired clay is crushed
into coarse powder.
Grog is added to clay when the ceramic Art icle being produced is likely to be
fired in a way, which will subject it to rapid temperatures changes. Grog
strengthens the clay and reduces the risk of cracking. To mix grog with the
clay, the clay is cut into slices. The grog is put between these slices and then mixed.
The ratio of grog to clay should be about 1: 3 that is one pArt of grog and three pArt s
of clay.
Pottery/ceramics, sculpture, modeling with clay, play dough and paper pulp
(papier mache) are some of the materials and activities that are useful in three-
dimensional activities, Th e sensory experience of working with a variety of
textures encourages young children to experiment, explore, and discover original
ways to create Art . These activities can help release emotional tensions and
frustrations; work with their hands; develop small muscles; and provide
opportunities to manipulate, construct, and learn about spatial relationship. Working
with clay requires planning and forethought, lack of planning can result in the teacher
constantly having to remind the children abut the right use of clay. Proper set up will
make this unnecessary. Make it clear from the beginning that the clay must not be
thrown on areas that are not covered unless working outside, and that no child
may interfere with another child's work. Some tips for clay set up are:
• The surfaces being used for clay work should be covered with newspaper;
this makes cleaning up more efficient. However, if you have formic surfaces it
may not necessary to cover the surface because they are easy to clean.
• The number of children a: a table or working area at one time should be limited,
alleging each child enough room to spread out and use as much arm and hand
movements as they may need.
• Each child should be given a lump of clay the size of a large orange or medium
sized mango. The clay may be worked with in any way the child wants.
• The teacher may sit at the table with the children and play with clay (this ac66to the
social feeling. "But the teacher should avoid making
• objects for the children to copy. This discourages the child's creative use of
clay.
• After finishing modeling activities, clay needs to be stored until its next use. It is
best to form it into balls, each about the size of an orange. Keep the clay in a
container with a wet cloth or sponge on top and should be covered with a
light fitting lid. Plastic
• containers for instance Blueband or Kimbo containers. When day is too wet, it
becomes mouldy and when it is too dry, it cracks. If clay does become mouldy
do not throw it away. Simply scrape of the mouldy area and drain off any water
collected at the bottom of the container. If the clay should dry out, it can be
restored to a proper consistency by placing the dried out clay in a cloth bag and
pounding with a hammer until it is broken into small pieces. After soaking this
clay in water, it can be kneaded until it is the proper consistency again.
The two basic firing techniques are open firing and closed firing. In opening firing
the materials used with this technique includes straw, dry twigs and branches, shavings
and sawdust .Twigs and shavings are laid together on a chosen site. This foundation is
then covered with sawdust. The Art icles to be baked and then placed on the
sawdust. If they are hollow, they should be filled with sawdust. The Art icles
should not be in contact with each other.
A second layer of Art icles is placed on top of the first, the two being separated by a
layer of sawdust. This process is repeated until a pyramid has been built up. Finally the
whole pyramid is covered with a thick layer of sawdust, firewood, shavings and wood.
The firewood, shavings and twigs will burn quite quickly once ignited. The sawdust
however will merely smolder this then ensures that the temperature will rise steadily,
because the heat is being maintained. If necessary more sawdust can be added so that the
items bake thoroughly for a period of about 12-24 hours. Pit firing is one method of open
firing. Let us look at the illustrations below; this may give you a clearer picture. The
pots are arranged in a pit on a foundation of logs,
Figure 11.2
Various materials such as wood shavings; cow dung and snail shells are added. However, it
is important to note that different communities use different methods or materials.
Figure 11.3
Figure 11.4
More leaves and other suitable combustible materials are placed on top and the fire is then lit
from below
Figure 11.5
Closed firing: This is where firing is done called a kiln. With closed firing the kiln is fully
enclosed. The kiln shown below is built of bricks. The fuel used is firewood, which is lit
from below. Modern kilns use gas or electricity. Another example of closed firing is
illustrated below. This type of firing is done with a metal bin with a lid. Cover the bottom of
the bin with grass, sawdust, cow dung or charcoal. Put bricks on top of this. Arrange your
clay models in layers with the fuel in between the models. Remember to cover the bin with
the lid
Figure 11.6
11.6 Activity
Using clay make an Art icle of your choice
o Let it dry and record how long it took to dry after your experience what age
o group would you engage in clay work.
11.7 Summary
o The term three-dimensional Art refers to any Art form that has at least three
sides. Three dimensional Art is "in the round', which means that one can look
at it from all sides.
o Modeling with clay, working with play dough, making creations with paper
o boxes, and creating other sculpture forms are examples of three dimensional Art
.
o Ceramics is the Art of making Art icles from clay. Ceramic items are first
o shaped using various techniques. They are fired at high temperatures to
o harden them.
o Clay is formed in the eArt h. So long as it remains there it remains relatively
pure. This type of clay is called kaolin or china clay. It is white in colour.
o Wedging this is done in order to remove air trapped in the clay. If the air
werenot reproved; there would be major defects in the finished products after
firing. Firing is the process by which ceramic items are backed to make them
less fragile.
11.8FurtherReading
Sculpture is to in the round or in relief. Common sculptures are usually carved or modeled.
Sculptor is the name of the Art ist who creates sculptures.
Sculpture has served society in various ways. From the earliest times man has used all
available and materials to carve or model images. These images are either in the
round or relief and have different functions, which determine where it shall be placed.
Some of these functions are:
• Religious, symbols and motifs are used by all cultures of the world to praise
God.
• Commemorative figures and forms to honour people and celebrate events are some
of the most common subject matter for sculptures. They may be found in
buildings, parks and halls, There is a bronze statue of the late founding father
of Kenya Mzee Jorno Kenyatta, it is found in Nairobi in the grounds of Kenyatta
International Conference Center. It commemorates Kenya's struggle for
independence.
• Sculptures use as educational medium cannot be underestimated. During the
twelfth and seventeenth century Europe in pArt icular, sculptures in church
depicting scenes from the Bible were first and foremost tools for spreading the
Gospels and Word of God. At a time when the Christian church was most
powerful, sculptures became instruments of propaganda for the patrons of Art ists
commissioned to make them.
o Sculptors all over the world have indulged in sculpture for purely aesthetic
reasons. Beautiful forms are created because they are pleasing to the eye of
the beholder. These forms can be used for decorative purposes or
functional purposes e.g beautiful Kamba and Kisii, Masaai,Kikuyu YOU
HAVE seen and imagined what you could possibly do with them.
o Economic sculpture like any other work of Art has economi.value, It varies
from Art ist to Art ist; the material used; the size of the sculpture; its
function
and who has commissioned
Placing individual amounts in containers for each child helps the children identify limits
and gives them personal space. It is helpful to provide junket of water for the children to
wash their hands when they have finished with the activity. This will keep the residues out
of the sinks. These materials are extremely valuable because children are able to use the
materials with their hands without having to learn how to manage a tool, such as a
paintbrush. There are several variations of clay, which can provide different textures,
different feeling, and smell. These include, plastered needs oil based non-hardening clay.
It is stiffer and harder for children to manipulate. It is best stored in an airtight container
so that it remains soft and pliable. Sawdust and wheat paste mixture provide a rough
texture, but children find they offer a pleasant feeling. This medium cannot be
moulded too thickly because it will not dry properly. Being placed in a slow oven to
evaporate the water can dry objects made with this type of mixture more quickly.
Papier - mache is made by tearing newspaper or newsprint into small pieces and adding
warm water. Once the paper is completely wet, any excess water is squeezed out and
wheat paste is added to make the mixture malleable. Objects made too thickly tend to mould.
However to avoid this, a hole can be made in the moulded object to allow air circulation and
hasten the drying. While drying, the object can be turned side to side until it becomes hard.
Projects using paper -mache should be simple for young children and the project should not
take so long that children loose interest. The Art icle can be painted when it is dry and
finished by varnishing.
Play dough is another malleable material that is suitable for three-dimensional experiences, it
is simply made a mixture of wheat flour and water. It is the same mixture that is used to in
the preparation of chapatis. Food colouring or paint may be added to the mixture to make it
colourful.
12.4 Recipe for play dough
• 1 cup flour
Mix the flour and salt, add oil slowly add water until the mixture sticks together but does
not feel sticky. Knead it well and store in an airtight container. The oil keeps the mixture from
drying too quickly, Play dough can be used as method of follow up of another activity, for
instance after a story session children can make the character or pArt of the story that
interested them most,
Figure 12.2
This mobile is called freestanding because it has a base. It can stand on its own. It does not
have to be hung up.
Figure 12.3
12.5 Activity
• Make an Art icle out of a malleable material that could be used as a teaching
aid.
• Make a mobile based on a theme for instance shapes, using materials that
are light in weight.
12.6 Summary
The most common types are of sculpture are carved and modeled.
The Functions of sculpture are varied religious, commemorative, aesthetic
and for economic purposes.
Carving, unlike modelling is a subtractive method of a of sculpture
Relief sculpture is one where the forms, figures and motifs project from a
Background Statuary sculpture is the kind of sculpture by which statues are made. • A
mobile is a form of sculpture, which consists of a single image, or a series of shapes cut
from cardboard, wood, plastic or sheet metal.
Further Reading
1. Isbell, R. TandS. C. Raines Creativity and the Art s with Young Children.
Albany; NY; Delmar Learning. 2003
2. Isbeil. R. T. and S. C. Raines Stones and Children's Literature in Early
Childhood Education. Albany, NY; Delmar publishers 1994
3. Kaderbhai, T. A. Discovering Art . Oxford University Press, Nairobi. 1989
4. Kaderbhai, T. A. Revision Art , Oxford University Press, Nairobi, 1994
5. Malkiat, S. and D. Smith. Art and Craft Workbook. Dhillon Publishers
Limited, Nairobi. 1996
6. Malkiat, S. Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Encyclopedia. Dhillon
Publishers Limited, Nairobi. 1997
7. Hawkinson, J, a ball of Clay. Chicago Whitman. 1974
8. Solga, K. Make Sculptures, Cininnati, OH: North light
LESSON THIRTEEN
13.0 WEAVING AND BASKETRY
13.1 Objectives
At the end of the lesson the learner should be able to:
a. Explain the concept weaving
b. Weave plain weave
c. Explain basic techniques used in basketry
Weaving is a technique in which two sets of threads are interlaced. Weaving is the
way different types of fabrics are made from different yarns. The following are
some of the main materials used in weaving, yarns (wool silk, cotton and nylon)
We said at the beginning that two sets of threads are used in weaving. One set of
threads is called the warp and the other set of threads is called the weft. The warp
threads must support the wefts. The warp threads run vertically. The weft threads
run horizontally.
Cut the paper from the folded edge to the top line at a distance of 2crn apArt .
• The narrow 2cm coloured strips of paper are woven into this square and the
ends stuck underneath with, a bit of paste,
Figure 13.1
13.3 Activity
Make a simple mat using the plain weave method and the material that is available
13.4 Basketry
Basketry is the Art and Craft of making baskets. Baskets are used for several purposes such as:
The plaiting technique used in basketry is similar to the technique used by women and
girls to plait their hair. The material used in plaiting is first divided into strands. The
three strands are then interlaced. One strand is passed over and under the other strands.
This process is continued until a single strand has been made. Below is an illustration of
palm leaf strips plaited together,
Figure 13.9
When you do these exercises with children. Remember it takes a lot of patience and at
pre- school ages as the eye hand coordination and small muscle control is varied. It
would be realistic for a person dealing with pre -schoolers not to expect perfection. If
the task you give children proves to be too difficult they will easily get frustrated and
quickly loose interest in what they are making.
13..5 Activity
Make a mat using the plain weave method with a material that s available
13.6 Summary
Let us go through what we have learnt in this lecture.
Weaving is a technique in which two sets of threads are interlaced.
One set of threads is called the warp. The other set of threads is called the
Weft. The warp threads must support the wefts. The warp threads run
vertically.
• The weft threads run horizontally.
Weaving is the way different types of fabrics are made from different yarns. Basketry is
the Art and Craft of making baskets. Baskets are used for severe! purposes such as:
• Storing grains or dried beans
• Carrying things, for instance shopping
• Trapping animals, for example, birds, fish and rabbits
• The same basketry techniques can be used to make items such as taw and
floor mats, waif hangings, trays and belts.
LESSON FOURTEEN
14.0 SAFETY AND POISONING DURING ART ACTIVITIES,MAITENANCE
& STORAGE OF ART EQUIPMENTS AND ASSESSMENT STRAGIES IN
ART &CRAFT
14.1 Objectives
At the end of the lesson the learner should be able to;
• Explain different modes of poisoning
• Describe how to store and maintain Art tools and equipments
• Assess children’s Art work
Art and Craft activities would be harmful if done in settings that have multiple uses e.g.
homes, school, activity centres and other places where the pArt icipants are not present for
period of time and cannot be easily monitored or controlled. There are mainly three
modes of poisoning namely;
• Ingestion
• Inhalation
• Skin contact
Ingestion
Substance and even small tools can enter the body through the mouth if a person is
accustomed to eating or drinking while at work. Using kitchen utensils to mix Art materials
is a dangerous practice because it is not always possible to remove all trace by simple
washing. Not washing hands after working and by eating can allow harmful materials to
enter the mouth.
Symptoms of hazardous substance
Immediate discomfort
Nausea
Pain to delayed reaction that are different to link to any single event
Inhalation
Minute substances can be carried into the body through the respiratory tract and then
absorbed into the lungs and eventually every organ of the body.
Symptoms
o Sneezing
o Coughing
o Burning sensation
o Dizziness
o Headache
Other symptoms take longer to surface depending on the nature of the substance.
Smoking can intensify the rate and the effect of inhalation.
Skin contact
Some materials can be absorbed through the skin directly or through cuts or breaks on the
skin. The materials can enter the blood stream to other pArt s of the body. A common
occurrence is skin irritation insulting in redness, rash; itching or blisters substances such as
acids will cause immediate reactions. Other may take long to affect the skin.
Prevention
It’s important to become familiar with the nature of materials used in Art and Craft
production.
Read all labels and use the materials according to instructions
Substances that are stored in container other than the original ones should be carefully
labeled.
14.3 Assessment strategies in Art &Craft
Evaluation- A continuous process of collecting and integrating information with a purpose
of attaching value
Assessment- to assess is to scrutinize the value and determine the extent or the degree of
quality in an Art work.
Types of evaluation
Formative-It’s carried out from the beginning of an activity, during and at the end of a
given activity. It’s a continuous assessment. It enables them to determine the teacher
progress within a given time e.g. after a lesson.
Summative- It sums up all the kg and skills a learner has acquired in a given programme or
a course. It can be given in termly or yearly bases.
Types of assessment
o Test-practical, questionnaires, project
o Assessment at work
o Assessment tools for Art work include
o Observation checklist
o Oral interviews
o Progressive records
o
How to assess children’s Art work
• Use of space
• Use of principles of Art and Craft (balance, dominance, proportion, rhythm and
perspective)
• Use of elements of Art (line, shape, colour, value& texture).
• The skill level of the Art ist (i.e refinement)
• Neatness
• Character of the Art ist (individuality in the drawing)
• Finishing-is it nicely finished e.g. paper trimming, mounting or framing
• Check if the Art work is signed i.e the name and the year
14.5 Maintenance
• Ensure materials are cleaned after use
• Repair if broken
• Replace old or expired equipments and materials
• Fill floors to avoid falls or pooling of liquids
• Ensure proper storages to avoid damage and breakages
• Segregate to maintain identification and traceability.
• Guide and instruct children on the use of equipments to avoid unnecessary damages.
14.6 Activity
Practice how to maintain and store simple tools used in Art and Craft.
9. Isbell, R. TandS. C. Raines Creativity and the Art s with Young Children.
Albany; NY; Delmar Learning. 2003
10. Isbeil. R. T. and S. C. Raines Stones and Children's Literature in Early
Childhood Education. Albany, NY; Delmar publishers 1994
11. Kaderbhai, T. A. Discovering Art . Oxford University Press, Nairobi. 1989
12. Kaderbhai, T. A. Revision Art , Oxford University Press, Nairobi, 1994