We were acquainted with different forms of painting ages
ago. Many studies and researches have recognized the therapeutic prospects of
this artistic medium of expression. Applying colors on a plain canvas with
fingers, treats the subconscious mind with a healing touch. That’s why
activities like finger painting can be considered as a part of progressive
education. For the comprehensive development of children, it’s important they give
expression to feelings they do not communicate. Pouring within the outlines of
imagination, and colors of creativity, finger painting is a perfect medium for
free expression of the preschoolers in the following ways:
Teaching Other Content Areas
Finger painting isn't just a tool for artistic exposition.
If you think that your child's preschool finger painting activity will only
build up his artistic abilities, think again. The early childhood educator, or
you as the teacher at home, can use finger painting to teach other content
areas. For example, the teaching staff at Williamsburg Northside Preschool
suggests that finger painting helps preschoolers to learn about basic math
concepts such as shapes. Making use of the subtractive method, the preschooler
can make shapes using paints and let the paper underneath show through. Another
content area that preschools may encourage through finger painting is science.
Preschoolers can experiment with color mixing by blending the primaries -- red,
blue and yellow -- with their fingers.
Infusing
Creativity
Process-based art activities like finger painting allow
preschoolers to explore and experiment, which will help to take their
creativity to the next level. The experimental nature of finger painting makes
it a more enticing prospect for the preschoolers than the regular coloring
sheets and cut-paste activities that don’t push the boundaries of imagination.
Finger painting activities allows a child to produce exquisite imageries from
abstract expressions and allows him/her to work with the medium, moving it
around, blending it and creating anything like a family portrait to explore his
own creativity.
Enhancing
the Vocabulary
Vocabulary enhancement is a sure shot sign for thriving
literary skills. Innovative and all-inclusive ways must be looked after for
enriching the vocab instead of looking at it as a separate subject and setting
aside special time for it. The preschools in Williamsburg Northside make use of
the multisensory activities like the finger painting to help students learn new
words. Students are made to trace the word using fingers while a teacher
pronounces it loudly. This impart a visual and auditory sense to the learning
process which make it easier for students to remember words. The interactive
process of finger painting is a great way for the preschoolers to fine tune
their color and sensory vocabulary words like slimy, squishy or sticky.
