McKenna Betsy - Art workshop for children: how to foster original thinking with more than 25 process art experiences

When making their own choices, children develop their creative thinking and problem solving skills, as well as generate self-confidence. Art Workshop for Children gets to the heart of composing an enriching environment for children to explore the possibilities in process-art making. Written for both the art educator or someone who is insecure about the creative process, Barbara Rucci expresses poignantly the value of fostering childrens creativity through art making.

Samara Caughey, owner and creator of the childrens art studio Purple Twig in Los Angeles, California

Art Workshop for Children is, in itself, an inspired piece of art. Every page is filled with beautiful photos of child-led artwork and creative experiences that will leave you thinking, I cant wait to try this with my child! As you read along, you will not only be inspired and encouraged by these two ladies but their creative passion will ignite the creative passion in you too.

Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed., early childhood educator, author of Ready for Kindergarten!, and creator of the Teach Preschool Blog

If you have been nervous about trying art at home with your kids, Art Workshop for Children will give you all the tools you need to get fearlessly creative! From supply lists to easy and colorful art projects to information on child development, this book is a complete guide that will empower your children to become the best kind of creators: artists from the heart who relish in the process of making.

Ana Dziengel, architect and award-winning furniture designer, creator of the childrens art and design blog Babble Dabble Do, and mother to three young art explorers

This book is an inspiring resource for any parent or caregiver, even if you have no background in art. Its filled with easy to follow, unique art activities that honor the childs creative process.

Megan Schiller, teacher and founder of The Art Pantry, a design studio specializing in childrens creative play spaces

Art Workshop for Children is a rich and inspiring resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers. On every page you can feel their love for children and teaching with a gentle hand. Its all about the child and exploration and howthrough self expression and critical thinkingchildren become creative thinkers.

Amber Scardino, owner and Instructor at Wee Warhols, a childrens art studio in Austin, Texas

Barbara has that magical combination of wow-factor inspiration and practical, smart guidance. Accompanied by Betsys thoughtful and thought-provoking wisdom, this book is a wonderful guide for parents and teachers.

Cathy James, early childhood educator, author of several books including The Garden Classroom, and founder of Nurture Store, a childrens creative learning blog

This is my all time favorite process art book for kids. Each project is thoughtful, engaging and full of rich layers. I highly recommend this incredible resource for valuable art experiences for kids. Art Workshop for Children is a fantastic and inspiring book!

Meri Cherry, Reggio-inspired art teacher in Los Angeles, California, and creator of the childrens art blog Meri Cherry

Art Workshop for Children is a fantastic guide to help parents capture and nurture those wonderful creative years of early childhood, presenting a practical balance between the freedom of exploring as well as learning skills and techniques. Even if [readers] implement just a few of the fabulous suggestions and ideas, we will have happier and more creative kids growing up all around us!

Maggy Woodley, creator of the childrens arts and crafts blog Red Ted Art, and author of the book Red Ted Art: Cute and Easy Crafts for Kids

Art Workshop for Children is both a gift for the eyes and a practical guide for nurturing a culture of creativity in your family or classroom. With practical ideas for choosing authentic art materials, presenting art experiences, and displaying childrens artwork thoughtfully, Barbara Rucci has created more than just another childrens art activities book.

Kate Gribble, mother of two and homeschooler inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, and creator of the inquiry-based learning blog An Everyday Story

Art Workshop for Children is a book for parents who want to raise inventors, dreamers, curious explorers, and creative problem solvers. By breaking down each art exploration into simple, at-home workshops using basic supplies (most of which can be found around the house), Bar shows us that its not important whether your child makes a beautiful piece of art, its their experience during the process of creating that really shapes and influences their young minds.

Jennifer Bryant, founder and head button-sorter at Small Hands Big Art, a childrens art studio in Charlotte, North Carolina

How to Foster Original Thinking with more than

Process Art Experiences

BARBARA RUCCI

Essays by Betsy McKenna, Reggio-Inspired Educator

Preface

Betsy and her three children with Barbara and her three children, celebrating a birthday.

All children need just one adult in their life who will cultivate the dawning of their creative processan influencer of sorts, someone who will model an authentic approach to exploring hunches and ideas. My exposure to the creative process began in the kitchen of my fathers garage apartment. It was a utilitarian space with less than the basics for cooking and eating. But most notable was the back wall with repurposed storage. Stacked on shelves 12 by 12 feet (3.7 3.7 m) were hollowed-out Diet Rite cola cans. Each can held objects of little value but great intrigue: wires, bottle caps, bread tags, switches, string, adhesive, beach glass, stones possibilities alive! Anyone could contribute to the collection and anyone could access the materials. There were no rules.

It was here that I started to tinker and play with a variety of materials that helped me interpret the way in which I saw myself in the world. It was here in my dads kitchen that I was encouraged to ask questions and seek answers. A lifelong gift. Evermore thanks, Dad, for being my early influencer.

Impressionable childhood experiences tend to repeat themselves in parenthood and so began my version of the Diet Rite cola can wall that I prepared for my three children in our home. The space and materials had purpose and were informed by each childs interests and emerging passions. Aquarium tanks, a large chalk wall for drawing, a sunflower-filled tabletop, chocolate batter in muffin tins, and more all messy works in progress, and all real and meaningful experiences.