My Thoughts on mess

I believe children have their own agenda with art and the processes they use. From a year spent watching a set of three year old twins, a boy and a girl continuously tip and smear, I can understand the frustration some teachers may feel about mess.

Let me tell you it is your problem. Yes it is your problem. The problem is not theirs. They are engaged in creative experimental processes and are creating a beginning experience that will involve mess. Children are going to get to know their materials in their own unique way and different materials evoke different reactions from children so be mindful of that. Because when it comes to art, there is no set desired way to use a resource, it is simply a medium.

Do not under estimate the power of looking. That is where the curiosity and desire is building up. When it can no longer be contained in the mind then I believe children are ready for there first encounters.

Speaking from experience I think we need to be very gentle with the beginning stages with children. Curiosity tells children what they want, desire impels children to act, we feel the need to rush in and correct. How can we correct before we let children follow through with their true interest and starting point? Children should be allowed to handle materials and be able to find out about them in a way that suits their ideas and there age.

I see it like window shopping. A good display catches you eye. Perhaps it even draws you in to have a closer look. You look at the design, perhaps you look for flaws, admire the shine, love the colour but not everyone commits to something they want straight away. Sometimes you need time to know if you really are committed to trying.

Touching and feeling can sometimes look like breaking, being rough, wasting, not sharing or tipping. Change your lens to one that sees a child that is present in the art room starting right at the beginning, wondering how a process works. Everything creative in an art room is a process; never assume a child is intentionally destroying an area. Please let them enjoy there beginning experiences.