Children have to do and use too much of everything in order to figure out the world.
– Bev Bos, 1934-2016, Preschool Director and International Speaker

Lisa Murphy, also known as the Ooey Gooey Lady, offers, “Consider the difference between being a facilitator vs. an instigator. How do we provide rich, deep, meaningful opportunities for investigation? We use observation, scaffolding, and provocations. This allows us to be more than ‘the keeper of the keys.’ Be the guide on the side not the sage on the stage.”

As if in response, Sandra Floyd shares some of her rich thinking behind the art studio experiences she offers for and in response to toddlers, including how she presents new materials and environments to children in an ever-changing ‘conversation’ that respects new and old children alike.

After offering toddlers some paint and heavily textured paper on a table one week, Floyd remarked, “I saved the paper but changed the perspective by offering it on the floor with paint. This time the kids investigated more with their feet and full body, sitting on the ground instead of standing at the table.”

“The Joys of Studio Art Experiences for Young Children,” a new Exchange Reflections based on Floyd’s article, invites you to consider, among other things, “How can observing children closely help you inspire them? In other words, what do you watch for in their play? How do your observations guide the ways you support or extend their playful work?”