artistic education in romania

Methods, techniques and procedures in artistic plastic education

THE ORGANISATION OF THE DIDACTIC AND EDUCATIONAL PROCESS IN THE AREA OF ARTISTIC EDUCATION

Preschool or pre-primary education (kindergarten grdini in Romanian) is a public education service that is addressing children from 3 to 6 years of age providing a national curriculum and qualified educational staff. The present Law on Education LawofNational Education(Law 1/2011) addresses issues related to the educational needs of children between 3 to 6 years of age who are enrolled in preschools. Preschool education can be organised in public and private kindergartens. Kindergarten attendance is optional. There are no entrance requirements for preschool education. According to the provisions of the Law of National Education, art.23, (a), early education (0 5/6 years), includes: the ante-preschool level (0 - 3 years); pre-school education (2,5/3-6 years), which includes: junior group of preschoolers 2,5/3 4; middle-age group aged 4 5; elder-age group aged 5 - 6 Children are organised in age-level groups: First Level (2,5/3 - 4 years old); Second Level (4 - 6 years old).PRESCHOOL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMIN ROMANIA

Pre-primary education ensures the free, integral and harmonious development of the childs personality, according to his/her own rhythm and needs. Pre-primary education is equally provided for all children, including the ones with special educational needs or the ones that need recovering/ rehabilitation and integration either in special education institutions or in mainstream institutions.

All activities organised in pre-primary education have to respect the right of the child to play as a form of activity, method, procedure and mean to attain educational objectives. According to the provisions of the Romanian Law of National Education (Law 1/2011), the national early education curriculum focuses on the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children and on the early correction of the development deficiencies.

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/mwikis/eurydice/index.php/Romania:Teaching_and_Learning_in_Early_Childhood_Education_and_Care

1. Language and Communication - development of the oral communication, understanding and correct utilisation of the oral structures skills; - education of correct phonetic, lexical and syntactic oral communication; - development of creativity and expressivities in oral communication; - development of understanding and expressing intentions, thoughts and significances through writing;

2. Aesthetic and Creative Domain Curricular Areas: Plastic Education and Musical Education

3. Man and Society Domain Curricular Areas: Civic Education and Practical and Home Activities

4. Psychomotor Domain

5. Sciences Curricular Areas: Mathematics and SciencesThe national curriculum for preschool establishes the following EXPERIENTIAL DOMAINS

AESTHETIC AND CREATIVE DOMAIN Curricular Area Plastic Education

Goals1. Training of the working skills for drawing, painting and modelling.2. Making connections between various elements of plastic language and shapes, objects from the environment (nature, art, and social life).3. Stimulating expressiveness and creativity through drawing, painting and modelling.

Benchmarks1. To obtain plastic effects, spontaneous shapes, developed through specific techniques of painting.3. To practice technical skills specific to modelling to restore plastic themes.4. To recognize the elements of visual language and to differentiate shapes and colors in the environment.5. To know and differentiate materials and tools, to know and apply the rules of use.6. To use an appropriate language on the various concrete plastics activities. 7. To compose the visual space in an original way, using various materials and techniques chosen by children8. To discuss freely, creatively the plastic works expressing aesthetic feelings.9. To see and recognize artistic creations corresponding to the age of preschool children and his concerns (portraits of children, children's games, family scenes, landscapes, people's daily activities).

AESTHETIC AND CREATIVE DOMAIN Curricular Area Music Education

Goals1. Developing the capacity to intercept the sound and music.2. Teaching expression through music.3. Knowing the great values of national and universal musical creation.

Benchmarks1. To differentiate hearing, fixed term sounds in the immediate environment and musical sounds.2. To differentiate hearing the pitch of musical sounds.3. To sing songs for children.4. To accompany rhythmically the songs.5. To sing the songs in elementary harmonic - polyphonic arrangements.6. To associate the movements suggested by the song text with its rhythm.7. To improvise spontaneously short free syncretic songs: onomatopoeias, songbased ononomatopoeia, songbased ononomatopoeia and movement.

MAN AND SOCIETY DOMAIN - Curricular Area Practical Activities

Goals1. Developing and strengthening practical skills of motric development.2. Enriching knowledge about materials and their characteristics, as well as working processing techniques in order to make simple products.

Benchmarks1. To know and use simple work tools to achieve practical activities.2. To know different work materials, natural or synthetic.3. To perform simple work operations with natural and synthetic materials.4. To identify, build and find many solutions to achieve proposed theme under the practical activities.5. To report to the immediate environment and contribute to its enrichment through personal work.6. To form practical skills.

The distinction between Arts and Artistic Education is relative. It is primarily determined by the particular aesthetic values that they convey and promote.

VARIOUS ARTISTIC CURRICULAR AREAS AND ACTIVITIES

A solid foundation in reading, writing and communication is crucial to a future students success

USEFULNESS, ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS OF TEACHING READING AND WRITING IN EARLY YEARS

EARLY READING

1. Helps to develop a child's brain2. Develops communication skills3. Promotes and expands creativity and imagination4. Stimulates the reading desire/ fosters the love of reading5. Drives up basic literacy standards 6. Stimulates language and vocabulary development7. Improves linguistic skills in the form of a richer vocabulary and correct grammar8. Develops a better spelling and a more articulate oral communication9. Increases the rate of growth for the early reading skills of phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, and word reading10. Increases comprehension


EARLY READING

11. Improves writing12. Increases preschooler's social status among peers13. Grows in/ improves preschoolers self-image, self-confidence and independence14. Flourish intelligence15. Diagnoses dysfunctional or dyslexic reading and early intervention provides educational advantages 16. Enables childrento reacha high standard of literacy17. Enables childrento reachtheir full potential18. Entitles childrento reachage-related standards 19. More chances to gain early academic success in school


Writing during the preschool years is, well, messy!

EARLY WRITING1. Grows up thinking skills2. Improves sight word recognition3. Improves phonemic awareness skills4. Acquiring substantial knowledge of the alphabetic systemensures fluency in reading and writing5. Develops word awareness, spelling, and the conventions of written language6. Develops preschoolers skills of concentration, attention, patience, memory and language 7. Develops fine motor control


EARLY WRITING

8. Develop hand-eye coordination- Through repetition and practice of specific movements, the brain and muscles learn to work together as a team. (Conroy, 2004)9. Improves writing speed earlier in school10. Diagnoses dysfunctional or dyslexic writing and eases early intervention11. Better understanding of how writing worksEarly understanding of how writing and drawing help people communicate and function in everyday life 12. Increases chances for a successful start in school


COMMUNICATION

1. Enhancing preschooler's vocabulary development2. Improves attention to content, elaboration of details, and organisation of ideas 3. Helps learning basic rules of grammar for speech production4. Develops memoryof distant events5. Helps accessing new information6. Feeds the preschooler's natural curiosity7. Helps developing right-brain creativityUSEFULNESS, ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS OF TEACHING READING AND WRITING IN EARLY YEARS

COMMUNICATION

8. Builds general knowledge9. Develops powers of reflection10. Accelerates growth in reading competence11. Develops word awareness in meaningful contexts 12. Instills positive attitudes about books and reading13. Improves cognitive development14. Develops independence, confidence, pride, and self expression15. Builds long term academic benefitsUSEFULNESS, ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS OF TEACHING READING AND WRITING IN EARLY YEARS

There are three language skills that should be combined in any activity: 1. COMMUNICATIONfocuses on fluency. 2. READING, using meaningful material. 3. WRITINGis a series of lexical activities through which grammar is recycled. Create a wide variety of opportunities and challenges to develop these language skills. Teachers can support reading and writing by providing a language-rich environment with lots of opportunities for children to learn and practice these two skills. Basically put:readingaffectswritingandwritingaffectsreading.

According to Sandra Ruppert (2006) learning experiences in the arts contribute to the development of academic skills, including the areas of reading and language development. In Rupperts study on the benefits of art on student achievement, she found that, certain forms of arts instruction enhance and complement basic reading skills, language development and writing skills.http://www.aep-arts.org/2011/11/feature-2/

Arts education can help close the achievement gap

ARTISTIC EDUCATION

AESTHETIC EDUCATION (Drawing, Painting, Modelling)

As a dimension of education, Aesthetical Education is an indispensable component of personality formation

ExperientialDomainArtistic education Type of activityPlace in the written weekly planification and frequency Aesthetic and Creative Domain ARTSDRAWING Learning Centres - Arts Centre (1 5 times/a week) Activities on Experiential Domain (1 time/a week) Interdisciplinary Activities (1 5 times/a week) Integrated Activities (1 time/a week)Extracurricular ActivitiesOut-door activitiesSchool-based Curriculum (Optional Programme developted by teacher); (1 time/ a week)

PAINTINGMODELLING

AESTHETIC EDUCATION DRAWINGMethods, techniques and procedures Resources Draw with pencil, coloured pencils, charcoal, ink pens Hatching pencil technique (marking out small lines bunchedtogether) Cross-hatching pencil technique Back and forth stroke pencil technique Stipping pencil technique Scumbling pencil drawing technique (moving the pencil in small, circular motions keeping themall very compact) Draw with texture - lines to indicate texture (trees, tree trunks, leaves, furry animals) Draw shadows by shading and crosshatching Draw & colour/ paint outlineCrayonsWax crayonsWatercolour pensBan pencilsColour pensMarkersChalkErasersPaperColouring booksSketching setsEasel

AESTHETIC EDUCATION DRAWINGMethods, techniques and procedures Resources Draw from observation - sketching from nature, people, buildings, cars, action Contour Drawings- concentrate on one object, repeat the shape, overlap objects Draw using geometric shapes (overlapping shapes) Work with light source (use different coloured pencils to show light on one side of an object and shadow on the other Use perspective to draw landscapes, roads, train tracks, cars Draw subjects from different viewpoints Art aprons & smocksCalligraphy inkWashable school gluePatternsWorkable fixativePencil sharpenerDrawing board

PLASTIC LANGUAGE ELEMENTSDEFINITIONPOINT size: small, medium, largequality: empty , fullshape: circle, triangle, squaretechniques, tools, non-color, colordecorative: plastic rhythmTools for work (pencil, crayon, brush, finger) with the given space. LINE shape, size , positionquality: thin, thickornament, structureincision markmovement , rhythmTrace left by a moving point STAIN spontaneous , developed Decorative (pay )Painting ( vibrated )chromatic, achromatic transparent , opaque justapuse overlappingA density of lines (points) very close together may accidentally overlap SHAPESpontaneously createdflat spaceFinishing geometric bodiessymmetry , distortionModular ( flat space )Space delimited by a continuous closed line

DRAWINGS 3-4 year old preschoolers

Theme: Thick and thin linesTopic: Drawing with crayons

Objectives: to draw different lines;awakening interest in playing with forms by exercising; develop and coordinate the small muscles of the hand.

Theme: LineDefinition: Exercise mapping and horizontal lines Topic: Cup, Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Theme: Combination of linesTopic: Snowflakes Type of activity: skill training Objectives: building technical skills to draw straight and combined lines, vertically, horizontally, diagonally, passing through a point of convergenceaesthetic space developmentaesthettic awareness for the beauty of nature

Theme: PointDefinition: stakeout exercises by circular movement to represent pointTopic: Mums Beads

For ages 4-5 years

Theme: LineDefinition: Using open and closed curved lineTopic: Fish


Theme: Plastic expressiveness of line in spaceDefinition: Free tracing and rendering in finding formTopic: Autumn Fruit

Theme: Obtaining images with the line and the pointDefinition: Use of closed curved line Topic: Globes

Theme:Decorating using graphicsTopic: Mat

Theme: Constructive role of point and line. Obtaining images with the line and the pointDefinition: Using different types of monochrome lines with accents valueTopic: Man, house, tree


Theme: Tones and shadingDefinition: Starting with hatching technique by highlighting the values emphasizedTopic: Gardening Tools

Theme: Shapes and proportionsDefinition: Free drawing for obtaining clothing forms Topic: How Do I Get Dressed?

Theme: Linear color accented rythmDefinition: Ordering linear forms in tracing free chromatic Topic: Autumn Tree

Theme : Getting plastic images using points , lines and color Definition : Free setting of figurative elements subordinated to a given topicTopic : My Family

Theme: Line and stain plastic chromatics - language elementsDefinition: Drawing the short line and long chromatic accentsTopic: Pine Branches With Globes and Candles

Theme: Plastic expressiveness of the line language plastic element Definition: Using lines for types of forms in natureTopic: Birds and Snails

Theme: Line - the element of visual languageDefinition: Using as many types of lines in playing with a topic Topic: Boat on the Sea

Theme: Lines Topic: Gloves Type of activity: Strengthening skills and abilities Objectives: Strengthening the skills to decorate an area bordered with graphics.Strengthening the skills to properly taught drawn graphic elements.eye-movement coordination development

Theme: The line as a constructive element in getting a pictureDefinition: Reviewing of figurative elements according to the given themeTopic: The Union Dance

Theme: The focus in the organization of a compositionDefinition: Illustration of a tale scene using the visual languageTopic: My Favorite Story

Drawing My Favorite Story

Drawing My Favorite Story

Creative Drawings What can you draw using these shapes?

Linear construction in getting imagesTopic: Jungle Animals

Graphic evolution in playTopic: Favorite Season

AESTHETIC EDUCATIONPAINTINGMethods, techniques and procedures Resources Painting with utensils Easel painting with a variety of paints and paintbrushes (with no directions) Painting with unusual tools like toothbrushes, paint rollers, corks Painting with styrofoam packing Painting with cocoa Painting with glue and salt Painting with glue/ food/ sticks/ eye droppers Painting on wax paper Painting with toy balls Painting over tape Painting with food coloring/ shaving cream Painting in a bottle Painting with Watercolour/ ink Painting with tissue Paper/ cotton-pads Painting with melting crayonsEaselPaints Acrylic paintWatercolour paintOil colourOil-based paint markersPaintbrushesFoam brushStampsFabricToothbrushes Paint rollers Wax paperSpongesInk

Methods, techniques and procedures Resources Painting with plastic straws (blow pain with straws) Painting on a tin can Painting in a bag Painting on a unique surface Painting with salt/ simple chalk and water Finger painting Scrape painting String painting Paint the colour wheel - mix colours and experiment with effects; Printing and stamping (stamps purchased or made with sponges, bubble wrap, spoons, forks, fruit, vegetables) Stippling (hold a dry brush vertically to create a stipple pattern using paint) Creating spin art using a record player and paint, squirt bottles, paintbrushes, or markers Making collages using tissue paper, various sizes of paper, glue, paste, glue sticks, scissors, and recycled materialsSpray paintCrayonsPlastic strawsChalkFoam brushPaperGlue pasteGlue sticksGlitterPainting paletteStencilsChalk markersColour wheelPainters tapeMatte gelStorage cups

AESTHETIC EDUCATIONPAINTING

METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES IN ART EDUCATION- PAINTING USED IN PRESCHOOL

POINT LINE STAIN SHAPE

PAINTING ELEMENTS

FUSION

SPLASH

CRUMPLED PAPER TECHNIQUE

SOAKED ROPE OR THREAD

CUTTING OUT VARIOUS SHAPES

GOUACHE

FORMS OBTAINED BY PRESSING LEAVES

STAMP

TECHNICAL FADING

FINGERPRINTS

HANDPRINT

PAINTING ON CARDBOARD TRAYS

GLASS PAINTING TECHNIQUE

SAND TREATMENT TECHNIQUE

COLLAGE

PAPER COLLAGE(PAPER- COLLE)

TEXTILE COLLAGE

Theme: Getting a plastic image using colour spotsActivity: To cover a space by finger spottingTopic: Dog

PAINTINGS 3-4 year old preschoolers

Theme: Lines and points Activity: Playing with parallel lines and points distributed in a limited space Topic: Handkerchief

Theme: Stains and lines Activity: Coloured spot expressiveness with added radial linear techniqueTopic: The Sun

Theme: Lines, points and spots Activity: Exercise playing using plastic language elementsTopic: Autumn

PAINTINGS 4-5 year old preschoolers

Theme: Getting pace using the lineActivity: Drawing vertical short lines, using two alternating colours Topic: Mat

Theme: Lines, spots and stainsTopic: Autumn LandscapePAINTINGS 5-6 year old preschoolers

Theme: Line and stain painting - watercolor processesTopic: Chrysanthemum

Theme: Getting a picture by using several working techniques Activity: Making a drawing by using plastic fading fears, watercolors, toothpaste, fingerprinting die Topic: Winter Landscape

AESTHETIC EDUCATION MODELLINGMethods, techniques and procedures Resources Exploring and creating with clay, plasticine, dough or own made dough Patting and rolling, making shapes Squeezing and kneading Poking and pinching Rolling Pressing Cutting Stamping Constructing ImaginingOven-bake clayModelling clayClay toolsStencilsPlastalina modellingDoughModelling Pellets

MODELLING ELEMENTS

POINT LINE STAIN SHAPE

MODELLING TECHNIQUES USED IN ELEMENTARY ART EDUCATION ACTIVITIESSETTLEMENT

FINGERPRINTING

FLATTENING

TEARADDING

ELIMINATION

INCISING

MODELING SKILLS

One palms facing each

One fingers facing each

One palm and fingers facing each

One palm and drawing board

Between fingers and drawing board

One finger and drawing board

CIRCULAR MOTION SKILLS

One palms facing eachBetween the fingers facing eachOne palm and fingers facing eachOne palm and drawing boardBetween finger and drawing boardOne finger and palmBetween the thumb and forefinger

MODELING BY PRESSINGWith the fingersWith hand

MODELING BY DEEPENING- ThumbWith forefinger

Theme: Obtaining three-dimensional shapes Activity: Shaping by translatory hand motion - the board Topic: Carrot

MODELLING WORKS3-4 year old preschoolers

Theme: Getting three-dimensional shapes Activity: Line-form modeling performed by translatory hand motionTopic: Santa 's Ladder

Theme: Shaping three-dimensional shapesActivity: Obtaining a specific move through various forms of plasticine processing Topic: The snail

MODELLING WORKS 4-5 year old preschoolers

Theme: Initiation into the game by reassembling volumes Activity: The line - shape, curved line rod is turned into closed shape Topic: The Chain

Theme: Ronde-loes 's modeling Initiation technique Activity: Shaping using the circular movement between palm and drawing boardTopic: The Snowman

MODELLING WORKS 5-6 year old preschoolers

Theme: Shaping using the circular movement and interpreting Topic: The snowman

Theme: Flat relief technique Activity: Modeling using the translational circular movement Topic: Figures and letters

VISUAL LANGUAGE ELEMENTS RELATED TO GRAPHIC EXERCISE

Man expresses ones feelings when he speaks and ones ideas only when he writes J.J.Rousseau

Graphic elements are used to turn them into plastic elements so you can get a perception of complex graphics signs. The connection between graphic exercise and plastic education supposes an interaction between graphic and plastic education in order to develop complex necessary concrete perceptions both in language development, skills training and the use of plastic elements combined with graphics.

ELEMENTS OF VISUAL PLASTIC LANGUAGE WITHIN GRAPHIC SIGNSITEMPLASTIC POINT PLASTIC LINE SPLASH COLORPLASTIC FORM

Pointbig small Straight line horizontal verticalOblique line to the right to the left

Opened curved line stick hookchain linkspiral Semi ovalClosed curved linecurvebow spiral oval circleCombinations

Traditional motives

PotteryBarkSeams Linear decorationWave spiral Circle decorationAstral motivesVegetable - zoomorphic - anthropomorphicmotives

GRAPHIC SIGNS IN CAPITAL LETTER EXPRESIONStraight line

vertical

verticalhorizontal

oblique verticalor horizontal

obliqueGRAPHIC SIGNS EXPRESSED IN FREE SPACECORRESPONDING PRINTED LETTER FORMGraphic exerciseChromatic exerciseGraphic exerciseChromatic exercise

The curved line

vertical hook Semi oval

vertical semi oval

straight or inclined oval line

Left or right Chain link

Decorativecombinations with straight linesDecorative combinationsCurved lines

GRAPHIC ELEMENT CORRELATION WITH CAPITAL ELEMENTS

ARTISTIC EDUCATION

PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES CRAFTS

ExperientialDomainArtistic education Type of activityPlace in the written weekly planification and frequency Man and Society Domain Practical ActivitiesCRAFTS Learning Centres - Arts Centre (1 5 times/a week) Activities on Experiential Domain (1 time/a week) Interdisciplinary Activities (1 5 times/a week) Integrated Activities (1 time/a week)Extracurricular ActivitiesOut-door activitiesSchool-based Curriculum (Optional Programme developted by teacher); (1 time/ a week)

PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES (Crafts)

Methods, techniques and procedures Resources Stringing beads independently and creatively Weaving cloth, yarn, or paper Sew, decorate, quilt, knit (using blunt utensils) Making collages using tissue paper, various sizes of paper, glue, paste, glue sticks, scissors, and recycled materialsHeavy construction paperPaper bagsPaper tubesPaper platesPlastic bottles & boxesBoxes & milk cartonEgg cartonsFabricsGlue Scissors Glue pasteMaterials

ARTISTIC EDUCATION

MUSICAL EDUCATION

ExperientialDomainArtistic education Type of activityPlace in the written weekly planification and Frequency Aesthetic and Creative Domain Musical EducationMUSIC Learning Centres - Arts Centre or Role play Centre (1 5 times/a week) Activities on Experiential Domain (1 time/a week) Interdisciplinary Activities (1 5 times/a week) Integrated Activities (1 time/a week)Extracurricular ActivitiesOut-door activitiesSchool-based Curriculum (Optional Programme developted by teacher); (1 time/ a week) Morning exercices/gym Transition Actitivities Annual/ seasonal celebrations; Thematic Fairs

MUSICAL EDUCATION- Methods, techniques and procedures Resources Hum Phrase-wise method Whole-song method Combination of phrase-wise and whole-song method Modeling Sing high/ low; Sing slowly/ fast; Sing softly/ loudly Change the words of a familiar song and improvise Make up verses/ original chants & songs Quiet singing Lullaby songs Sing along Play music Chant Use rhythm instruments (drums, egg skaker, plastic bottle ratle, paper roll flute) Listening for specific sounds/ sounds of nature/ outdoor soundsCD PlayerCDsComputerInteractive BoardMusical intrumentsBrass cymbalTrianglesCastanetsJingle tapsTone blockConductor batonRythm sticksBellsHandmade musical instrumentsCostumes

Music is a language and, as any language, it can be used to communicate. The means of communication in this process are the sounds and rhythm as tools and the content of the communication is represented by feelings, emotions, ideas and attitudes. Music tells a story, not with words, not with concepts, but with emotions painted throughout sounds.

ARTISTIC EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - DANCE

ExperientialDomainArtistic education Type of activityPlace in the written weekly planification and Frequency Psychomotor Domain Physical education DANCELearning Centres - Arts Centre or Role play Centre (1 5 times/a week) Activities on Experiential Domain (1 time/a week) Interdisciplinary Activities (1 5 times/a week) Integrated Activities (1 time/a week)Extracurricular ActivitiesOut-door activitiesSchool-based Curriculum (Optional Programme developted by teacher); (1 time/ a week) Morning exercices/gym Transition Actitivities Annual/ seasonal celebrations; Thematic Fairs

DANCE- Methods, techniques and procedures Resources Nonlocomotor/axial movement (bending, twisting, and swinging arms and legs; move like the wind or like the waves in the sea, bend like flowers in a breeze) Locomoter movement (walking, running, hopping, jumping, leaping) Move to the rhythmic accompaniment Creative movement and sound collage Ethnic & Folk movement and dance Classical movement and dance Modern movement and dance Thematic movement and dance Seasonal movement and dance Imagination and creative movement Creative movement MachinesIndependent/Autonomous Dance

Music CDsCD PlayerComputerBallsJump ropeBean bagsScarvesFluffballsSpot markersRythm sticks

Dear teachers, give children the freedom to find ways, means and forms to draw, paint, model, craft, sing, dance in order to communicate impressions about the world and to reflect emotions and feelings .

***(2008) Curriculum for Preschool Education, Didactica Publishing House, BucharestBotez, Georgeta and Salavastru, Dana, Atlas cu elemente de limbaj plastic, Indrumator pentru educatoare, Aramis Publishing House, Bucuresti, 2007Popa, Valerica, Activitati de educatie plastica in gradinita, V&I Integral, Bucuresti, 2000

http://www.housingaforest.com/20-must-try-painting-techniques-for-kids/http://www.design-your-homeschool.com/Art-Techniques.htmlhttp://handsonaswegrow.com/50-paint-activities-tools-methods-recipes/http://childhood101.com/2011/02/playdough-plasticine-clay-for-kids-making-little-hands-stronger/http://www.googobits.com/articles/1090-dance-skills-and-techniques-for-young-children.htmlhttp://www.aep-arts.org/2011/11/feature-2/