What do I look like? 17th August 2022
Spontaneous: This morning I decided to set up a craft for the Joeys based on learning about their own appearance and features. I drew a basic outline of a person and put some glue on their page, allowing the children to stick on eyes and hair. Immediately, Lucas, Nathan and Elya came to the table. I asked them, "Where are your eyes, where would they go on this person?". They didn't respond but, Lucas and Elya placed them in the correct position. Nathan pointed at his own eyes and glued many eyes on. The straw used for hair was a little long to properly stick on but after cutting it shorter they understood what it was meant for. Elijah grabbed a bunch of hair and put it on the head of his drawing. Hunter, Pilar, Jack and Aarvi also did a great job in sticking the eyes on and needed little instructions in doing so. Tilly and Jayden wasn't too interested in gluing instead they liked to simply look at them and take them out of the jar. Elijah, Sean and Kavith was hesitant in doing the entire craft but they completed it slowly. Ayiik wasn't interested in doing any of it, after sitting down he just held the pencil in his hand. After the children finished sticking on their hair and eyes, I brought out pencils and markers for them to add their facial features and colour in their clothes. Elya, Aarvi, Pilar and Hunter drew smiles on their person. Pilar coloured yellow in her dress inside the lines and was very neat. Aarvi added a little blue inside her dress. Majority of the other children drew all over their page not quite understanding that the person is supposed to be them. Pilar had finished her creation and was evidently very pleased with it as she showed every educator. Overall, the children thoroughly enjoyed this activity and learnt a little more about their features.
Link to Pedagogical Documentation
EYLF Outcomes
Outcomes: 4: Children are confident and involved learners Elements: 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity. Children were able to think and act creatively when completing this activity. They explored all options and built their knowledge in expressing themselves through art. Children were confident and displayed a good attention span and levels of cooperation.
Theorists
This learning experience can be linked to Gardener'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 believe this craft activity was effective for the children's cognitive development. Using strategies such as asking open questions, modelling and demonstrating, explaining and engaging in their learning pushes their ability to develop their thinking skills. They were able to explore all options and through their listening skills and attention span they were able to efficiently understand this task. Children developed the knowledge of their own selves, their features and colours which enhances their understanding about diversity. They were able to follow and extend their own interests with enthusiasm and participate with their peers with respect. As educators, we provided this opportunity to extend their learning and was encouraging them through these learning processes. This activity promotes having a sense of identity through being creative. Follow up: Continue doing arts and crafts based on their interests.
