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Wassily Kandinsky was a Russian painter & art theorist. Many of Kandinsky’s paintings can be viewed as a perfect exercise in abstract painting. He focused all his attention on aspects such as colors & masses & their relative position on the canvas which determine the composition. Kandinsky’s paintings used color to show emotions rather than painting an object to look real. He believed each color has its own language & soul. Introducing young children to Kandinsky’s abstract artwork encourages them to see that art is created in many ways.  After reading stories about Kandinsky throughout the week to get ready for our upcoming Art Auction this week, looking at the actual image of his art, we invited the children to create their own collaborative renditions of his art through multilayer art process. 1. We invited the children to explore print making through this process. We provided pre-cut circles, tempera paint, & muffin baking pans. The children were invited to paint the bottom of the pan with paint, then place the circles on top, press, & peel back the print. Some of the larger circles were hand painted freely. 2. After the circles dried, we glued them small to medium to large & taped them onto craft sticks. 3. Provided fast drying air dry clay to mold into different shapes of vases. Then poked the craft sticks into the vases. And voila! The most beautiful bouquets created by tiny artists.

To celebrate Earth Day we have been reading the stories We Are Connected, Caring for Each Other & The Earth by Gabi Garcia &Natalie Jimenez Osorio & A Love Letter to Our Planet: Thank You, Earth Dear Earth by April Pulley Sayre.  Learning about Earth Day early on fosters environmental awareness &  responsibility, encourages critical thinking about environmental issues, & promotes positive action towards a sustainable future. By connecting with nature & understanding the impact of their actions, young children develop a lifelong appreciation for the planet.  To integrate the literacy experiences we set out an invitation to paint a planet earth that was made with recycled materials. We created the recycled planet earth by using recycled cardboard boxes as the base of the earth. We used egg cartons, packaging, drink carriers, bubble wrap, paper rolls, binding clips, and more. The materials were used to make an outline of the continents. Tempera paint was provided in different shades of blue, brown, green & white to paint the earth. When children paint on surfaces with a variety of textures it provides for sensory exploration, experimenting with materials, & being more observant of their technique. All the bumps, lines, textures, groves, has their senses/skills creating & exploring in different ways. The beauty of this invitation is that it is collaborative. Therefore when creating together it boosts their ability to analyze & open discussion. Endless amounts of language bursts as they discuss the connections between the books & what they are creating. They talk about the difference between planets, land & water, varying ecosystems, where they live or have traveled to, how to recycle, & ways to save the planet.

Whether your children participate or celebrate certain holidays e xposing children to holidays offers numerous benefits. They include boosting their emotional & social development, broadening their horizons, fosters a sense of cultural awareness, and it provides opportunities for fun, bonding with family, friends, community, while  creating lasting memories. Here are two egg invitations we did this past week. 1. Invitation to Decorate Eggs with Natural Loose Parts: In spiration for making art can sometimes strike unexpectedly & in unusual places. Who would have thought that these wooden eggs can turn into a canvas for creating beautiful decorated eggs? To set this invitation we placed a decorative beaded mat of eggs with designs as the point of inspiration, wooden eggs as the canvas, provided foraged spring flowers/leaves, & scissors. The children were invited to decorate eggs with natural loose parts. 2. Fine Motor Sensory Egg Exploration: In our tuff tray we placed expired rice & jelly beans as the base. Then placed these nesting eggs that came apart so we used them as the bowls. We provided Learning Resources handy scoopers and invited the children to grasp, scoop, pour, mix the sensory materials into the different sized egg containers.

The famous artist Georgia O'Keeffe is one of America's most famous painters. Her clear, bright paintings show the beauty she found in the simple, natural things around her. Exposing children to the arts & different artists at a young age exposes them to various styles & techniques of art. Today we became Georgia O'keeffe & did our very own still life paintings on our outdoor easels. We set out examples of her various Calla Lily & Iris Paintings, real Calla Lilies + Irises, Colorations Paint, Construction Paper, & Paint Brushes from @discountschoolsupply. The children were invited to observe, create, & paint just like Georgia. A still life is a drawing or a painting of an object or a group of objects that is close to you & doesn't move. This was a wonderful way for the children to observe every detail in the flowers & images, compare similarities/differences, & become more aware of details. Painting on vertical surfaces, such as an easel will help a child develop the tools they will need later on when learning how to write or draw. When a child paints vertically, they are naturally encouraged to hold the brush in a more efficient & ergonomically appropriate manner. Standing @ an easel is great for upper arm & shoulder strength, which in turn provides the wrist with more stable support. By practicing these movements, children will develop a dynamic tripod grip. This grip allows for precise finger movements, which will provide the child with more control & less fatigue/frustration during writing/drawing when they are ready to do so.  Painting on an easel has a fluidity that is different from other art media. The vertical surfaces help children develop the appropriate amount of writing pressure. When painting on a vertical surface, children must apply more pressure than they would on a horizontal surface, which helps them better calibrate their grip strength & the pressure they need to apply when writing on paper. Overall, vertical surfaces like this provide a natural setting for children to improve their pencil grip, which will contribute significantly to their handwriting skills. Shoulder stability is crucial in their gross motor development as it provides a solid base for the coordinated movements of the arm, forearm, & hand. When it comes to writing or any activity requiring fine motor skills, shoulder stability plays an essential role. When a child paints on an easel, their arm works against gravity. This naturally strengthens the muscles around the shoulder, promoting stability. Over time, these repeated movements & exposure, can contribute to enhanced shoulder stability. Here are other ways to explore the artist: https://www.tinkerwonderplay.com/post/invitation-to-create-georgia-o-keeffe-s-lake-george https://www.tinkerwonderplay.com/post/georgia-o-keeffe-two-ways https://www.tinkerwonderplay.com/post/georgia-o-keeffe-city-stem-building https://www.tinkerwonderplay.com/post/invitation-to-paint-georgia-o-keeffe-s-calla-lilies-irises

After being on the hunt for these cones that I would see pop up on many accounts that have always been a point of inspiration, @homegrownfriends has brought ALL the best Rainbow Cones to @openplaytoys.   Open ended materials such as these rainbow cones have endless play opportunities that spark creativity, curiosity, & wonder. You can use them for building, dramatic play, fine motor skills, light exploration, loose parts, sensory play, and more.  To kick off our first time using these cones we did two sensory invitations in our Cosy Direct Tuff Trays.  1. Slime Exploration: Placed Nicole Jacklyn’s Crystal Slime that we mixed confetti with. 2. Oobleck Exploration: Squeezed Colorations BioColor Metallic Gold Paint from Discount School Supply into our water and then mixed it with corn starch to create Oobleck.  Children who have a diversity of sensory experiences learn to use & enhance their senses in new ways. The benefits of sensory play in early life are numerous. Sensory stimulation & play-based learning will help all children, regardless of age, developmental stage, or learning style. It helps create nerve connections inside the growing brain’s neural pathways, triggering a child’s inclination & aptitude to compete for more difficult learning tasks. It also enhances linguistic development, cognitive growth, physical capabilities, problem-solving abilities,  social interaction, & enhances memory function.  Sensory play and open ended hands-on experiences are a gift to the child's mind & some of the most effective ways of learning in the early years. The greatest play advocate Bev Boss once said, “If it hasn’t been in the hand and the body…it can’t be in the brain."

The beauty of #processart  is that anything and everything can be used as a canvas. This invitation is stacked recycled cardboard boxes wrapped or decorated with recycled packing materials (bubble wrap, packing butcher paper, cds, binding clips ) & some (aluminum foil). Along with tubes we made out of poster paper & packaging materials. For paint we used Colorations Liquid WaterColors & Diluted Metallic Paint from Discount School Supply . The tools the children were invited to use were Learning Resources: twisty droppers, large + small pipettes, & syringes. The combination of the 3-D shapes & textured surfaces along with the types of out of the ordinary painting tools made for a next level creative process & exploration. So much color theory being tested, science in full force, fine motor skills being enhanced, collaboration, problem solving, and freedom to be had. Painting in any form provides children with an avenue to express their feelings in a visual way, which further helps their social emotional development. The more a child is exposed to different types of art it leads to seeing the world in different ways, becoming more observant, feeling creative and appreciating the different forms of art. Looking forward to showcasing these amazing pieces along with so much more at our upcoming art show!

Our Author of the month is none other than insanely creative artist Eric Carle. Carle's books are known for their vibrant collages, made by painting tissue paper, cutting out shapes, & pasting them together. Eric Carle’s art is distinctive & instantly recognizable. Since all of his art has a playful quality we decided to let the children get inspired by his illustrations for one of our art pieces in our upcoming art show.  After reading the story about the Mixed-Up Chameleon we set an invitation to create our own chameleon with similar techniques just like Eric Carle. To set this multi layer art invitation we provided different types of canvases & paint to create.  1st, the children were invited to do dropper painting with Colorations liquid watercolors on Texas snowflake filters.  2nd, the children were invited to paint with fluorescent paint on card stock paper.  3rd, the children were invited to finger paint with tempera paint on construction paper.  After the paper dried, we cut them up into different shapes & sizes. The next day we invited them to collaboratively paste them together on the chameleon.  Collage art work is a great way to develop the fine motor skills, learn about different colors/textures/patterns, develop communication + language skills, work collaboratively, by sharing materials, tools & projects, develop concentration skills, practice problem-solving, be creative, as they experiment with different materials, techniques & designs of their own making. Collage art encourages children to, ‘See the beauty in ordinary things and appreciate the possibilities of everyday objects.' The process of selecting materials & making independent choices feels good for young children and, all in all, collage invitations supports  little one's development & sparks their creativity.

One thing we love here for sure is an intentional Comfy Corner. It has become a staple in our Early Childhood Environments and home. Thanks to Children's Factory we just got a #gifted upgrade with the NEW Happy Hangout Sets in Elements & Tranquility Color Ways.  Typically in any of our comfy corners the goal is to provide a seating nook with soft materials, calming colors, books, plush items, sensory bottles, rugs, & plants to instantly make a child feel calm or at "home" in order to relax. Whether emotions are big & in full effect, a child needs time +  space, or simply needs a break from hard moments, transitions, in order to adjust, feel safe, reset & self regulate. This kind of safe space empowers the child to be able to process/regulate their emotions, focus, & wind down, while teaching them to deal and work through their feelings, appreciate relaxation, honor the time they need, and give them a skill of a lifetime of self-awareness + regulation. Pictured here is the Elements Set. In today’s classrooms, homes, play spaces, & so on, continuing to make changes that will create the best learning environment that is flexible to everyone's in order for children to feel welcomed, safe, excited, & comfortable will not only meet their needs to create an inclusive classroom it will play into their success in learning or anything they put their mind to.  Pictured here is the Tranquility Set. To learn more about the CF Happy Hangout check out these cool facts:    Multi-Functional Design – A combination of chairs, couches, and ottomans that can be arranged for seating, socializing, playing, or learning. 
 Lightweight & Easy to Move – Perfect for flexible classroom layouts and play centers, allowing quick and effortless rearrangement. 
 Water-Resistant & Easy to Clean – Wrapped in polyurethane vegan leather, making it spill-proof and durable for high-traffic spaces. 
 Comfortable & Supportive – Designed with CertiPUR-US Certified Foam for a soft yet sturdy seating experience. 
 Safe for Kids – Greenguard Gold Certified, ensuring a healthy indoor air quality for classrooms, daycares, and play areas. 
 Encourages Collaboration & Creativity – Ideal for group activities, reading nooks, or solo relaxation, making learning spaces more inviting. 
 Modern & Stylish – A sleek, contemporary look that complements any classroom, playroom, or daycare environment. 
 Durable & Long-Lasting – Built to withstand daily use with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind. Here are other ways we have created Comfy Corners with Children's Factory: Comfy Corners with Flexible Seating Outdoor Sanctuary Comfy Corner As We Grow Comfy Corner Comfy Corner

Process art prioritizes the creative journey & exploration over a specific, predetermined outcome, emphasizing the experience of making art rather than the final product.  With minimal directives these two splatter paintings have been a staple in our centers.  1. Hide & Splat Painting: This invitation is always a highly engaging full body motor movement experience. Before we dive into how this process art comes about 1st things 1st, whenever we use real tools such as these mallets we go over rules about safety & how to properly use the tool. Real tools are far more interesting to young children which naturally leads children to be more positively & constructively invested in their use & in the experience as a whole. The use of real tools gives children a sense of accomplishment & a truer inner joy for creating because they are using something out of the norm with their art. The child's self-awareness & awareness of others around them is heightened as they are using the real tools because they are being more tactful/observant. Throughout this whole process we are providing a space where we honor the children’s abilities & intelligence while sending the message that they are capable of creating anything even when using a tool. To set this invitation we placed blobs of Colorations Fluorescent paint underneath the cotton rounds onto the poster paper. Provided mallets as their painting tool, and the children freely splatted away and created magic! 2. Splatter Cotton Ball Painting: This invitation combines all kinds of multilayer learning. Between the sensory exploration of touching the soft cotton balls & squishiness once they get dipped in paint there is so much to feel. Then there are all the motor skills being used, from pinching/grasping the cotton balls using their fine motor skills to the large full body motions the children use when they throw them. To set this invitation we stapled poster paper to our fence, invited the children to dip the cotton ball in Colorations®   Metallic Paint and throw the cotton ball. Through these invitations children get to focus on the experience, engaging with materials, techniques, & the act of creation itself.  It is open-ended & exploratory therefore itt encourages children  to experiment, discover, & express themselves freely, without the pressure of creating a "perfect" piece. The benefits of these types of process art invitations  fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, fine motor development, & social-emotional growth. Unlike product-focused art, which emphasizes a specific outcome or skill, process art is about the journey of creation.

To continue learning & exploring more about space + science this month, we set this invitation where the children created their very own galaxy full of stars & constellations. After reading this book we learned that stars are giant balls of hot gas of glowing gas held together by their own gravity, some twinkle due to Earth's atmosphere, bend lights from them, stars can be different colors with hotter stars appearing blue or white & cooler stars appearing red or orange,  & constellations are just patterns of stars that people have imagined for centuries & were named by ancient cultures, the names often refer to animals, mythical creatures, or people.  We set out a tuff tray that we covered with a sparkly tablecloth, provided a tinker tray filled with acrylic rocks, pom poms, colored sticks, translucent pebbles, crystals, stars, & led lights. Each child got a thick cardstock paper and were invited to create their own stars & constellations.  Providing loose parts to create inspires children with endless opportunities of wonder, curiosity, & out of this world creativity. Since loose parts are dynamic in nature, it brings about the authenticity of formulating ideas while offering children an open-ended experience that stimulates their mind & imagination. As they manipulate the materials, children are allowed to develop their own ideas while making connections of how the world works, through self-expression they gain confidence, and throughout all of this they enjoy the learning process because their curiosity was ignited and they were able to let their  creativity shine in their exploration.

Marie Curie is most known for her pioneering research on radioactivity, including the discovery of the elements polonium & radium. She was the 1st person to win two Nobel Prizes, one in physics & one in chemistry.  Learning about her for not only #womenshistorymonth but #womeninstem is a no brainer!  After reading a story about her, we invited the children to explore chemistry just like #MarieCurie.  To set this invitation in  our @discountschoolsupply  Tuff Tray we placed @learningresources  beakers + cylinders, pipettes, TTS potions bottles,  Excellerations® Super Test Tubes with Stands , beverage dispenser, magnifying glasses, & test trays . In some of the containers vinegar mixed with @colorations.artoflearning  metallic paint and in others just water. In other containers we mixed @armandhammer  baking soda & @dawndishwash  soap. The children were invited to experiment with ingredients and not only create a chemical reaction but see it unfold right before their eyes. When baking soda (base) & vinegar (acid) are mixed together, one of the products this reaction creates is carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas escapes, & that gas forms the fizz you see. Since children are born with a sense of wonder & a passion to understand the world around them, they instinctively & constantly ask questions, observe, & try out solutions. Through these types of invitations children build a foundation for future scientific learning that can directly influence their interests later in life. Children are programmed from birth to be scientists & by tapping into their natural predispositions early on, we can nurture & establish a positive approach to science that will stay with them into the future & foster a lifelong lover of science or any subject for that matter. Providing these kind of opportunities supports the development of other skills & attributes such as: communication skills, collaborative skills, team working perseverance, analytical, reasoning, problem-solving skills, expands their vocabulary, encourages them to extend & embed their learning through related literacy/numeracy, honor creativity, develops patience, turn taking/listening, organization, attention to detail, & so much more. These are all lifelong skills that will help them throughout the rest of their lives.

Throughout #WomensHistoryMonth  we have been exploring women’s contributions to history, culture & society. The artist Georgia O'Keeffe was born & raised in Wisconsin. Her clear, bright paintings show the beauty she found in the simple, natural things around her. She loved to paint nature. Georgia often rearranged the natural things she saw, & simplified them. Exposing children to the arts through reading books, creating art, & exploring at a young age exposes them to various styles & techniques of art. After reading books about her, looking @ images of her art, we invited the children to create her Lake George (From 1918 to 1930s, O'Keeffe spent part of each year there, which inspired many of her paintings). We provided Grimm Wooden Toys, Grappats, & Mirrors as the base of our turf tray to create on through loose parts & mirror exploration.  With infinite construction possibilities, you will see a child's curiosity, wonder, & creativity shine with these materials. The children are left to explore so much, while they are continuously inspired by the many interesting outcomes throughout the process. When children are exploring with mirror reflection from infancy through early childhood, they are able to explore a whole range of theories & enhance so much of their development. They are fascinated by light & deeply engaged by the interplay of the shapes, patterns, shadows, effects, spacing, imagery, sizes, & colors. Loose parts are dynamic in nature, it brings about the authenticity of formulating ideas while offering children an open-ended experience that stimulates their mind & imagination. As they manipulate the materials, children are allowed to develop their own ideas while making connections of how the world works, through self-expression they gain confidence, & throughout all of this they enjoy the learning process because their curiosity was ignited & they were able to let their creativity shine in their exploration through the magic of light, color, & reflection just like Georgia!  Here are other ways to explore the artist: https://www.tinkerwonderplay.com/post/georgia-o-keeffe-two-ways https://www.tinkerwonderplay.com/post/georgia-o-keeffe-city-stem-building https://www.tinkerwonderplay.com/post/invitation-to-paint-georgia-o-keeffe-s-calla-lilies-irises