We have introduced collage to the Partner Drawing that continues to be a focus in the Communication Center.
Teddy and Jai worked together as partners on a drawing. After some discussion, they agreed they would work on representing the sea. The boys first worked on a drawing and then added different elements: fish, divers, surfers, and even water bubbles.
Once they had added everything they wanted to include in their design, they connected with me and I introduced the idea of collage as a way to add color.
Teddy: We need blue. Right, Jai? We need blue for the water.
Teacher Cynthia pulling out a magazine: Do you see how there are many colors on this page? You can look for the color you need, cut it out, and then place it on your drawing where you wanted that color to go.
The boys go on to look for various shades of blue that they then use to place on their drawing. Jai is concerned with carefully cutting away all letters and images from his color. Teddy includes surprises of context in his color selection. As he is looking for the various shades of blue, Jai notices some circular paint swatches.
Jai: Look! These are like the water bubbles we made. We can use these for the water bubbles!
Teddy: Yeah! That’s a great idea!
As teachers, we are always looking for different opportunities for complexity to support children’s thinking about the limitless ways of expression available. By not using glue in this initial process, the children can move things around and consider different options as they construct their story. We are still in the process of gathering all the pieces needed for the ocean. As we observe, we’re wondering how the two approaches to collage (one precise, one flexible) will collaborate in the telling of the sea. This type of collage is slowly becoming a part of the mini studio and is adding to the layers of resources in the children’s material library. -Teacher Cynthia, Kris