Art as a Process, Not a Product

There is something to be said about learning to follow directions in order to duplicate a product, but it’s not the ONLY way.  In fact, I’d much rather not show or tell a child what it’s supposed to look like at all, and have them create something original using the same materials every other person in the room was given.  Sure, it might look like total poop, but taking ownership of the process is what leads to values such as accountability and confidence.  Have you ever seen a tiny little person hold up a very odd looking product while they beam with pride? It’s enough to make your heart explode, even if it happens to be the ugliest thing you think you’ve ever seen. I’d like to add that this is increasingly important if you’re homeschooling multiple age groups.  Expecting your 4-year-old to produce a product just as well as your 7-year-old may set them up for failure, depending on where they are developmentally.  Encourage differences. It’s a valuable life skill.