Ever since my kids were very little, I have always put materials out in hopes that they would walk by, sit down, and get inspired. I just never knew until recently that there is a name for this philosophy! It’s called an “Invitation to Play”. I love this! It’s a term that is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching and is used often with Early Childhood educators. Now that mine are older, I still do this but less with toys and more with art.
This latest invitation was simple. I just taped a small piece of watercolor paper
This littlest artist decided to use some glitter glue and hearts that she found on the shelf to create her own abstract work of art. I like her thinking!
There are so many ways to create an invitation to play. Read this post by The Imagination Tree to get started, or search Pinterest where you will surely find one million ideas! One great Pinterest board is the Rockin’ Art Moms board that I happen to be part of. The other 11 members are well-versed in the Reggio language and they have a plethora of brilliant ideas.
xo, Bar
Yay! I love the little still life you set up, and of course you can’t make art without the sparkle and hearts. This is great- I need to set up some basic still lives, too.
thanks jeanette! a still life is my go-to because often my kids are not inspired or can’t think of anything or don’t want to paint. putting out something silly or funny…or easy (like an orange) is just a way to get them to sit down and give it a try! xo bar
Lovely invitation!
You know I love this!! We just did a family watercolor that I can’t wait to post about. Gigi is all about family painting and love having it set out to see who she invites to paint with her. These look beautiful. I love what you do!
thank you meri! i love what YOU do….mutual admiration society 🙂
This is a really cute and creative idea to get those creative juices flowing! I need to do this for my kids to see what they can create without prompting.
thank you jill…and yes, my kids love when I put out supplies and let them make up their own stuff far more than when I tell them what to do. and they are much prouder of themselves, too. i hope you try with your kids!! xo bar