Play, Make, Create, A Process-Art Handbook

Packed with joyful and educational art experiences for kids, Play, Make, Create offers fun and engaging imaginative activities focused on the fun and reward of creating, not just producing a final project. Founded in a process-based philosophy, this unique book includes more than 40 activities set up as invitations, or thoughtfully designed prompts to explore, create, and play. Author Meri Cherry has more than 20 years of teaching experience, and her blog(mericherry.com)has set the standard for meaningful and enriching process art experiences that are both manageable for parents, and appealing and fun for kids.Play, Make, Create begins with a guide for parents, teachers, and facilitators thatdiscusses how to set up materials in an inviting way, how topresent an activity andtalk to kids about art, and how to stock the right materials for ongoing creativity. Also included are best-practice tips for clean-up, answers to frequently asked questions, and more. The book offers fourtypes of creative invitations: Invitations to Explore (easy ideas for fun and play), Invitations to Create (open-ended, craft-based activities), Invitations to Play (sensory-based activities), and Big Projects (ongoing process-art activities). Most feature basic materials and tools (paper, inexpensive paints, pencils, glue) that require little setup. Among the projects and activities you'll find: A collage project that takes a no-rules approach to creating with cut-out drawings and pictures.Ideas for building a science station that allow kids to experiment with kitchen cabinet supplies such as soap, measuring spoons, cotton balls, and baking soda.A prompt to draw a self-portrait, using a mirror (parents can draw themselves, too).Instructions for making homemade colored playdough. The activities inPlay, Make, Create promote active, meaningful, and socially interactive learning. Children are encouraged to wonder, experiment, and use critical thinkingand most of all, enjoy the process.Byfollowing their own inclinations and making their own choices, childrengain self-confidence and hone their problem-solving skills. Get Play, Make, Create and give children the gift of creativity!