This is my 3 year old friend, Ila, as she engages with paint at home. Her mother, Alexa, knows Ila is hands and body IN when involved with paint. Alexa has paint out for Ila whenever she would like it. |
| Ila has great freedom at home to explore with all her senses and with all her bright spirit. |
At our school, we have the indoor and outdoor areas set up with provocations or explorations for the children. The children may choose wherever they would like to be and engage with whatever materials they choose. The teacher role is well defined to support play, social function and choice.
This particular day, in the classroom we had table easels for water color paintings. Ila came over and started her own work. She began with a red swoop:
After that, Ila began her full painting journey with a lot of BLACK painted here and there, just so, and one more spot right about there.
Ila had already added hand prints yet seemed inspired to add more. She was very thoughtful and detailed in her efforts as she painted finger by finger, then full palm back on the paper.
Ila worked on her painting for about 20 minutes as she went back and forth with color, hands, color, hands.
Sometimes we would chat together about what her hands were doing, how the paint felt when the brush stroked over her finger or how sometimes her hand print was light or dark on the paper.
When Ila completed her work, I asked her if she would like to tell anything about it, that maybe something was happening inside her painting. Ila dictated her story to bring her painting to life for everyone.
"THERE IS A MERMAID SWIMMING IN THE WATER AND A SHARK BIT HER ON THE LEG BUT SHE SURVIVED."
I am not sure I can say anything else.
Ila's work - her spirit of work - says it all.
I am inspired to live just one day just like her. [smile]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Alexa and Ila's family are no longer at our school. Alexa gave me permission to use her and Ila's first names and to allow Ila's face in the photos.
Great post from a GREAT teacher who is much missed by Ila's family-
ReplyDeleteJD (Afghanistan)
JD - Oh, you made my day when I saw your name and comment in my inbox! What a treat to have lived a school year with Ila and Hank, and with you and Alexa. You are etched in my memory. My thoughts are with you for a safe return to your extraordinary family. Best, Jeanne
DeleteThe sequence is thoughtful and your writing captures Ila. But, my favorite part is her description at the end! This made my day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading about Ila's watercolor exploration - and meeting her brave mermaid at the end!
DeleteI just love this post, Jeanne. In addition to pinning it to my Art pinboard, I've also pinned it to my Parenting board as well, because really, this post, in my opinion is about so much more than art. Thank you for sharing with us today.
ReplyDeleteJackie - Thanks so much for letting me share on your page. I am a fan of Happy Hooligans! You are generous to Pin to your Art and Parenting boards - appreciation sent to you. Yes, Ila and her exploration is absolutely much more than art.
DeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteI've recently discovered your sweet blog and I am truly inspired. Your wise presence simply shines through your writing and careful representation of the children's experiences. I'm a homeschooling mama to three littles. Thanks for your work on the planet!
Hilaree, Thank you for your generous comments. I am so pleased you found Zella and that the children's learning processes inspire you. The children and their play are the core content of my blog and I appreciate that you find some joy within in like I do :) How wonderful that you are a homeschooling mom - that is work straight from the heart, for sure.
DeleteI love that easel! So much more practical for little kids than the stand up one--and mobile too!
ReplyDeleteAngelina - Yes, the table easels are an interesting change for children from the full length stand up easels! Thanks for reading about Ila!
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