Planned observation: Educators planned for a sponge painting activity today. I set up the table indoor with papers, different colour paints and two sponge brushes. I planned to do this experience with two children at a time so that I can observe children and have conversations with them. Nathan saw me setting up the table and joined me. He was so excited to have a turn. He said "my turn, my turn". I saw Elya riding a bike. When I asked her "would you like to do some sponge painting?". She said "yeee...painting", and immediately joined me on the painting table. Nathan and Elya happily concentrated on their painting. When finished they both went outside for a play. Mila and Dylan came to the table next. Mila showed me her painting and said "painting" when she was doing her painting with the sponge brush. Dylan first refused to touch the sponge brush. I showed him how to do it and said "Do you want to do some painting for mum?". He said "yes" and also said "Dylan doing it for Mummy". After Mila and Dylan finished Hunter and Tilly came to the table. They both were playing with sand in a tray. When they heard the word painting they both came to me. Hunter tapped on the paper with sponge brush and made a pattern all over his paper. Tilly used the sponge brush as a normal paint brush and painted all over the paper. Aladeng was next to do the painting activity. Her Mum dropped her just then and Aladeng was happy to do the painting activity. Aladeng slowly started her painting activity. I asked her "what colour is this?". She replied "red". I said "no Aladeng, this is orange". She repeated after me "orange". After Aladeng I placed Natalia on a high chair. Natalia was more interested in tasting the paint, rather than painting. Shalini was next to have a turn. Shalini tasted the paint then she tapped the back of the sponge brush onto the paper and made noises. Jayla had her turn, she refused to sit first. then she started to play with the sponge brush. She took the paint from the sponge and placed it on the paper. After playing with the paint for a while she tasted it. But her facial expression showed that she didn't like it. The children enjoyed the sponge painting this morning. The children exercised some fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and turn taking skills.
Link to Pedagogical Documentation
EYLF Outcomes
Outcomes: 5: Children are effective communicators Elements: 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes. In this painting expereince children expressed thier ideas and views both verbally and non-verbally.
Theorists
This learning experience can be linked to Gardner's theories. He saw the arts and creativity as playing major roles in children's learning. Children are able to explore many cognitive concepts through their play and creative explorations.
Interpretation
Critical Reflection: As an educator I set up a painting activity based on children's interest. I had one-on-one conversation with children throughout the experience. I encouraged children with positive words. The babies were interested in touching and tasting the paint. We need to plan different sensory play activity for babies. Follow - Up: More painting activities.
