The integration of literacy into visual arts strengthens literacy skills as well as fostering creative thinking. After reading the story "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds you can set out this invitation to paint by offering Colorations® Tempera Paint on butcher paper from Discount School Supply. You can take a piece of cardboard or construction paper and cut out a circle in the middle.
In the story one of Vashti's masterpieces is where she painted around a circle, therefore inviting the child to explore this technique of painting with a negative space connects the literacy experience. There is something about the hole that inspires some real interesting creativity in this invitation. The progression and layering of this painting process is amazing to watch.
Creative activities, like painting, help the brain develop. The right side of the brain is used for emotional and creative responses, while the left side of the brain focuses on analytical processes and logic. Painting benefits children by using both sides of the brain. When children develop a painting they choose the elements, match and mix colors etc and at the same time look critically at what they have done. This connection between the two sides is how they reach their full potential.
