I have great faith in children, because they are eager sponges, soaking up everything along the way. When learning is ‘hands-on’ that’s like electricity to the brain. Art is a perfect example. I tell children when they’re inspired, it goes to their brain, then to their heart, and shoots out of their fingers like fireworks. Yes, electricity to the brain – Art.
I introduced children to Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky, Impressionism, Pointillism, Cubism, Starry Night, and the Eiffel Tower. We played music to inspire their art. We used real tools and paints.
Next, I simply encouraged the children. They painted and painted some more. What happened still finds me a bit stunned, choked up, and in awe.
Really.
Rainbow Dots, by Adam R.
Two children chose to title their art after Boston Dynamics robots.
Atlas, by Robbie
Spot, by Justin
Kandinsky was very popular, and two children chose to replicate one of his paintings.
Starry Night is very popular in our classroom, year round. Our youngest child wanted to paint Starry Night.
I am very proud of my preschoolers. They worked hard, and it was a joy for them. Here is their art on display ‘for the whole wide world’ at our local post office:
“It took me a lifetime to draw like a child.”
~Pablo Picasso~
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
This is amazing!
In January we did lots of different artists, who used all sorts of mediums for their art, be it paint, or installations. The children loved it!
Art + Children = Win-Win! 😍
This display always astounds me!! I love that Picasso quote too. Perfect! Well done everyone, teacher and students.
Many thanks, Darlene. I find myself astounded year after year. 🥰
😀
I wonder how much these would sell for, if they had famous names under each one…
It’s interesting you said that, GP. I thought the same thing. There are quite a few that would / could fetch a pretty penny! I’m going to send pics of the ones named after our two favorite robots to Boston Dynamics, and the two Kandinsky ones to the director of the Hood Museum.
The kids are amazing!
They are, FR!
I love this display. What a proud and exciting moment it must have been for the kids to see this.
Thank you, Karma. Actually, the kids have not seen the full display as yet, just the individual art. We will take a field trip to see the Art Show on Wednesday.
i absolutely love this, and as you know, i was waiting to see it. the children must have been so proud to have a show!
Thanks so much, Beth. I know you were waiting to see this! It continues to astound me, year after year. Field Trip on Wednesday for the children and families to see the show. 😀
Jennie, I love the Picasso quote. The children’s’ art is just amazing. You certainly put a spark in their creative minds. When do we stop becoming ‘sponges’? Nice work, again, Jennie.
I love the Picasso quote, too!
🙂
Yes, Liz. Kids are so unencumbered by ‘standards’ that make us conform and sometimes losing the freedom of creativity. Does that make sense?
Yes, it does make sense. I remember my mother being philosophically opposed to coloring books because the need to stay within the lines stifled a child’s creativity
Your mother was wise!
😀
I’ve heard that and it’s true. My 7 yr old granddaughter is a wonderful drawer while her twin brother doesn’t compare, but I almost prefer his work because it leaves s bit more to the imagination.
I’m so glad you like this, Steve! Every year I continue to be amazed, too. It’s a sad day when we stop becoming sponges, isn’t it? Thanks so much!
It is. Being curios is so important I’m always curious about people. Maybe my wife is right, maybe I’m just nosy. Can you imagine the fun I would have with VanGogh if he would have stopped by the Curbside Classroom? 😂
Yes, being curious is so important. Steve, you are not nosy. OKAY…you and van Gogh at the Curbside Classroom? That would be THE best! Steve, please think about this seriously; it would make the best blog posts. I’m not kidding. Writing about artists at the Curbside Classroom would be to die for! And then writing about Carle Sagan or Maya Angelo, or a million other people at the Curbside Classroom…yes, yes, yes!!! You can tell I’m excited, because you started the spark, and it’s what you love. Please, please consider this as a series of blog posts.
Wow, Jennie, you are excited, I can picture you bring excited. That would be a great project, one way beyond my simple ‘musings’.
By the way, im reading a 6th book by an author I discovered via a Christmas gift from my daughter. I believe this will complete the author’s books. Gregory Freeman is the author and I’ve had a wonderful time reading them since January. Reading is exhilarating. .
Thanks, Steve! I’m glad I planted a seed for you. And yes, reading is exhilarating.
It’s one of my favorite quotes. The spark is the fun and easy part of teaching. Thank goodness it triggers creativity. As long as we’re having fun at what we do, we are sponges, right?
It’s all so wonderful! They did amazing artwork! It’s so exciting too for them and their families to have it hanging on display at the Post Office. That’s so COOL!!
I feel the same way, Deborah! We take a field trip on Wednesday with children and families to see it on display. Hooray! Yes, so cool!!
Children are natural artists, aren’t they? I framed so many of my children’s art from PS-3.
They really are! I still have my children’s framed art hanging, too.
Applause, applause for the artists of the “Inspired Masterpieces” public art exhibit!!
Many thanks, Liz!! 😀
You’re welcome, Jennie.
Great BIG heart smiles HERE! xx
I love that! 😍
These are wonderful, Jennie! What are the ages of the children who created these amazing paintings? I’m wondering when I can try this activity with my granddaughters.
Thank you, Susan. These children are preschoolers, 3 and 4 years old. You can absolutely try this with your granddaughters. Look at some art together, talk about how the artist might have done it, and get excited. “You can do that!” can be powerful words of encouragement.
Your kids really ‘get it’. There is some real talent on display at your show!
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, they do! Encouragement and excitement can do wonders for children. Interestingly, GP wondered what some of the art might sell for, if done by a famous artist. I emailed the two Kandinsky pieces to the Hood Museum, and the two pieces named after the robots to Boston Dynamics. Best to you, Pete.
My grand-nephew loved learning about Van Gogh when he was in Kindergarten or gr. 1. He drew his own version of Starry Night and did little presentations all about the artist. He felt so proud to know all about Van Gogh. I think you’re doing a wonderful thing here making the children aware of the artists and their work.
What a great story, and such a terrific experience for your grand-nephew! Many thanks for your kind words, Anneli. I feel it’s a good thing to do, and children love it!
You’re doing a good thing, Jennie. Many kids and their parents will thank you and you may not even know about it.
That’s so nice. Thank you!
So beautiful, Jennie. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful art with us today.
I’m really glad you enjoyed the art, John. I am still smiling, and always amazed at their beautiful work. I can’t wait for Wednesday when we go see it with families and children.
If my child were in your school I would be thrilled to visit the art display.
That’s so nice, John. Thank you. I think I need to have tissues handy for some of the parents.
I think so too
😊
Children are so creative. I wish I could still paint with such unbounded joy.
Children really are creative. Oh to be a child again, right?
Right! 😊
Beautiful works here, Jennie. I like that Picasso quote…and I also still consider myself a “sponge” for learning even as an adult. 🙂
Thank you, Bruce. The art really is beautiful. I’m glad you’re still a sponge!
Innocence frees their inner artist.
Yes, it does!
Putting value on student work with your art show, knowing that their parents will be proud of their work must make the kids proud. Another one of your annual brilliant activities.
Yes, valuing student work… that’s the core of building their confidence and self worth. I often think about that Rita Pierson TED talks. I know the parents will be proud! Pete, I sent the photos of the two Kandinsky art pieces to the Hood Museum, and the two pieces named after robots to Boston Dynamics. That felt like the ‘next step’ to take. Thank you for your wonderful comment and kind words, Pete!
These are fantastic and wonderful paintings by children Jennie. Loved all of them and it is such a beautiful art. Thanks
Thank you, Kamal. I’m so glad you loved the art.
Yes awesome. Always welcome dear Jennie 💗😊
Hooray Aqua Roomers and Jeannie these are amazing results for pre schoolers 💜💜💜
Thank you, Willow! 😍
Such fun, Jen! What a great introduction to art for the Aqua Roomers. No wonder that Kandinsky was so meaningful!
Hi Alice! So glad you liked this. I emailed the director of the Hood Museum the two Kandinsky art pieces. I had promised him I’d let him know if the children were inspired by the Kandinsky at the museum. 🙂
You are definitely going to have to look him up next time at the Hood!
Yes!
Thanks, Jennie. I enjoyed seeing the children’s paintings. Hugs.
I’m so glad!
Wow, Jennie. One thing I thought about is how your introduction to art, artists, and art styles has such a wonderful impact of the kids’ art. So much more than just giving them a jar of markers and telling them to draw. The paintings are fabulous!
It’s all about the introduction, Diana. And sharing excitement. When children have the tools and encouragement, they are artists! Thank you!
❤
Beautiful colours and such definite strokes in their painting. I can see why it choked you up. Well done, Jennie and the children. Lovely share.
Yes, yes! Thank you, Sandy.
Hi Jennie, thank you so much for this wonderful post!
Thank you, Charles!
I loved seeing all the artwork. It’s all so good! 🩷🌷
Thank you.
Me thinks you may be creating the next Picassos or Van Goghs. ❤
Me thinks you might be right.❤️
🙂 🙂 xx
Hi Jennie, this is such a wonderful art display. It’s such fun doing art with small children.
Yes it is, on both counts. Thank you, Robbie.
🎨💝
Amazing kids. Thanks for sharing. 😊
You’re welcome!
These are truly beautiful, Jennie. I love the freedom you give them to be great.
Every year I’m amazed at the art children create. Yes, it is beautiful. Freedom can do great things.
Gorgeous!
😍
I love this. Thank you. I’m inspired by your passion. I’ve taught art to children and I honestly miss it.
Thanks so much!
Very cool. I love Spot by Justin.
Thank you. That’s one of my favorite paintings, too.
The display of amazing artworks took my attention
Such a profound moment all of these moments hold ….
I absolutely love these
Love the quote as well
It took me a lifetime to draw like a child’ ♥️♥️
Thank you! I feel the same way.
I love seeing your classroom art show every year, Jennie. How awesome that the post office does this display. How proud your students must be.
Thank you, Carla! I think having the art framed and giving children the opportunity to give their art a title sends a big message to them. The post office loves having the display, as it pulls in the community.