More on Easels

There is a great discussion on The Artful Parent, a blog I find to be so inspiring, regarding easels. It seems that kids may "tune out" the easel, like wallpaper or a piece of furniture, after a while. I've learned a great trick for addressing this from preschool teachers. Just leave something ever-so-slightly new at the easel every day, and kids will inevitably stop by to check it out. And hopefully, they'll stay a while to create something too.

Sometimes it's as simple as leaving out a new paint color or two. Or cutting the easel paper in a slightly different shape. Or leaving out some different tools for painting or printing like little sponges, a potato masher, or a small paint roller. Here's a view of a preschool easel that sees A LOT of use:

Other preschool teacher tricks I love include hanging a marker from a string on the easel so children get into the habit of "signing" their work (this needs to be demonstrated quite a bit at first). Also, simple strategies like keeping a smock on a hook nearby, keeping a box of wipes next to the easel, and putting an empty bucket underneath for soiled paintbrushes help children learn to participate in the clean-up.

I also wanted to include a picture of the table-top easel we have on Jack's desk (a gift from BaBa - thanks!). Right now we use it primarily with chalk (sidewalk chalk and regular chalk). And we use water with paint brushes, little sponges, and a tiny cloth to make things disappear.

I'm brainstorming about other ways to spice up an easel too... I'm thinking about other things I can "leave out" to spark some interest: stampers, colored masking tape, and shape stencils jump to my mind.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Comments

[Mom and Kiddo]

One thing I like to do these days is attach some clear contact paper, sticky side out to the easel and leave a bowl of goodies for collage. My son can then stick and rearrange at his leisure.

[Jennifer]

I lovin' this blog of yours!
I'm big on print making with kids, I think that kids really appreciate the magical element that is present when prints are created. In the past I have added half a lemon (I've already used for cooking so it's all squeezed out) or a pepper top (the refuse that would usually go in the compost) to our home easel [and a foam brush for applying the paint to the objects]. Other objects you could provide: the plastic or wooden shapes from a shape sorter, animal figures for foot print making, milk jug caps...) wow this is fun! I think I may share these ideas on my blog also. PEACE
Jennifer
aka Montessori Mama

[Jody]

Great blog! I love your ideas for the easel. We've tried different object but not all you mentioned. Thanks for the great ideas. Today, my toddler and I made paint together and she had so much fun using her creation (paint) to make a new creation (artwork)on her easel.