Every classroom brings art into the daily curriculum through a variety of materials. Children have the possibility to utilize writing utensils, paints, clay, stickers, collage materials, scissors, glue, and loose parts to create masterpieces. Hallways are lined with artwork and families are sent home with the artwork their child created. If you take a moment to ponder, what do you usually notice about the artwork? Do they all look similar or was each final product created with complete freedom and imagination?

Product Art

Art is the journey, not the destination. Product art focuses on the final product in hopes they all resemble one another. Children are provided with specific materials, colors, and instructions for what they should be creating. An example is often shown for the children to mimic. Product art is a teacher-directed activity that leaves little room for creativity. In addition, children feel their product must match the teacher model and this can often leave children feeling insecure about their abilities. Unknowingly, product art suppresses children’s ability to think for themselves and fails to activate their prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for creativity, planning, and decision-making.

What children might say:

• Can I be done now?
• This does not look right.
• I can’t do it.
• I don’t know how.
• This is boring.

Process Art

French impressionist and artist Edgar Degas once stated, “art is not what you see, but what you make others see”. Process art prioritizes the journey children take to create what they desire. The final product differs from one child to another and may encompass a variety of materials. The process is 100% child-directed with no teacher model provided. Additionally, process art opens the door for educators to utilize embedded learning opportunities that center on engagement, which allows them to talk with children about their artwork. Educators can ask open-ended questions and encourage children to express their imaginative abilities.

What children might say:

• Look what I made!
• I did it!
• I want to make another one!
• Can I have more time?
• I can’t wait to show my family.

Shifting the Focus: Product vs. Process

Whether you are an educator, family member, or important role model for a child, always ask yourself the “why” to your planned project time. Is your end goal centered on product or process? If the answer is product, consider switching your mindset to allow for more creativity and originality. While there are moments when children may need some guidance or redirection in the classroom, art is a time to allow complete appreciation for individual expression. There are limitless opportunities for children to enhance their skills, so take a step back and observe how little minds brush your world bright.

– Andrea Capriotti, YWCA Northern Illinois Infant and Toddler Specialist.