KINDERGARTEN . . . The creativity of play

In kindergarten art class, we are learning that art can tell a story. Young artists are eager to express themselves through art and tell you a story about what they created. While many of our projects have structured limits and directions, part of every art period also allows time for independent drawing or building. Not all of what we do is about the finished project. If you listen closely while the young artists are "playacting" with their creative materials, you can hear their imaginations come alive through a narrative that almost always accompanies their work. It is the job of a young student to discover the intricacies of a creative world and how they fit into that world. We might all copy a picture of Dr. Seuss' "Cat in the Hat," but each one will look very different on paper as the personalities of the students shine through.

To best see how well my art students can express their creative stories to the world, I have put together a video of Ranney Kindergarteners at play. My only directive to the students was to build a world with blocks, either in groups or individually. As they were creating sculptures and not drawings, it was also important to notice how the piece looked from all sides.

Enjoy our glimpse into narrative art in the Lower School art room...