This invitation to create sweet treats is inspired by the book Ganesha's Sweet Tooth by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes. The bold bright colors of India showcased in the book are such beautiful way to continue to expose children to Asian American and Pacific Island heritage month. In the rendition of a classic tale in Hindu literature, Ganesha's love of sweets led to a broken tusk. With the help of a poet and friend Ganesha learns how to still use something that is broken.
To extend the literacy experiences through the arts inviting a child or children in your classroom to paint on natural loose parts with acrylic paint is a great way to recreate the bright bold colors within the book. To set this invitation you will need river rocks, wood rounds, and wood shapes. Provide acrylic paint and paint brushes and let them freely create their own sweet treats.
There are so many reasons to embrace natural materials such as rocks and wood rounds while doing art. When children are given the opportunity to paint using different objects, it allows them to add texture to their art in a creative and open-ended way. Children pay more attention to the color, the shape, and the texture of natural materials. These types of art activities promote social competence because they support creativity and innovation.
