Why Open-Ended Art?

By: Liz Ehlert, EC-SEAT Scholar and Graduate Student in Early Childhood Special Education; Co-Director/Director before and after school and summer camp at Live and Learn Early Learning Center.

If you’ve ever worked with young children, the idea of art may make you cringe.  All those messy materials in little hands that can make clean-up time a real challenge.  You may have asked yourself, is open-ended art really worth the hassle?  In my opinion, not only is it worth it in terms of artistic value, but children benefit in so many other ways.

            When a teacher hands a child a paintbrush, some paint and a piece of blank paper, she is essentially saying to the child, “I trust you to use this in a way that you feel is important”.  A young child may not have the opportunity to make many decisions in his or her life.  Many adults don’t think young children are mature enough to make decisions for themselves because they might make a mistake.  In an article by 2 mid-western educators, the authors discuss why open-ended art opportunities are the perfect time to hone those decision-making skills:

“Open-ended art materials challenge children to plan and solve problems as they create. They can focus their attention on an engaging task of their choosing and persevere to a conclusion,” (Maynard, C. & Ketter, K. “The Value of Open-Ended Art,” Teaching Young Children, 7(1)).

This is a time for children to use the skills they are learning to solve problems as they arise in their work.  What better time and setting for children to practice these skills to build their independence?

            Many adults view “art” for young children as cookie cutter crafts where every child’s work looks the same.  They tell the children what to do, where to put each piece, how to use their brush, which colors to use, etc.  This kind of art is known as a “closed-ended” craft, as it has a goal that is defined by someone else.  There is a huge difference between art and crafts.  Art is supposed to be a time for children to use their creativity to make whatever inspires them.  When we tell children what and how to create their art, it is an insult to their talents, abilities, and rights to express themselves.

            I strongly encourage all of you to follow this link and read the amazing poem by Helen E. Buckley that will bring a tear to your eye.  The author tells so poignantly why adults desperately need to allow children to be creative and explorative in their art work.  Dictating a child’s every move teaches them to depend on adults for guidance and does not allow for independent thought or learning.

            So, adults, get out your smocks, open those crusty paint bottles and let go of your control for a few minutes.  There will be cloths for cleaning up and the glitter will eventually come out of your carpets.  Young children will use open-ended art to express themselves in ways you never knew they could.  Trust them to create and learn through this amazing sensory experience!

Tips for open-ended art experiences:

• use tempera paint; it washes out of clothing
• set out a variety of materials.  You will be surprised what children use in their art!
• natural materials can be just as fun as man-made ones
• if children are putting materials in their mouths, make sure they are non-toxic
• let children know they will be helping with clean-up; it may encourage them to be more careful with materials
• display art at children’s eye level for children to see
• remember that it’s okay to be messy!